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Which of the following is least likely t...

Which of the following is least likely to behave as Lewis acid?

A

`NH_3`

B

`BF_3`

C

`OH^-`

D

`H_2O`

Text Solution

AI Generated Solution

The correct Answer is:
To determine which of the following substances is least likely to behave as a Lewis acid, we need to understand the definitions of Lewis acids and bases. A Lewis acid is defined as a species that can accept a pair of electrons, while a Lewis base is defined as a species that can donate a pair of electrons. Let's analyze the options given: 1. **NH3 (Ammonia)**: - Ammonia has a lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom. This allows it to donate that lone pair, making it a Lewis base, not a Lewis acid. 2. **BF3 (Boron Trifluoride)**: - Boron trifluoride has an incomplete octet, with only three valence electrons. It has vacant p-orbitals that can accept a pair of electrons, making it a Lewis acid. 3. **OH- (Hydroxide Ion)**: - The hydroxide ion has a lone pair of electrons on the oxygen atom, which allows it to donate that lone pair. Therefore, it behaves as a Lewis base. 4. **H2O (Water)**: - Water has two lone pairs of electrons on the oxygen atom. It can also donate these lone pairs, thus acting as a Lewis base. Now, we need to identify which of these options is least likely to behave as a Lewis acid. - **NH3** is a Lewis base. - **BF3** is a Lewis acid. - **OH-** is a Lewis base. - **H2O** is a Lewis base. From this analysis, we see that **NH3** is the least likely to behave as a Lewis acid because it primarily acts as a Lewis base due to its lone pair of electrons. **Final Answer**: NH3 (Ammonia) is least likely to behave as a Lewis acid. ---

To determine which of the following substances is least likely to behave as a Lewis acid, we need to understand the definitions of Lewis acids and bases. A Lewis acid is defined as a species that can accept a pair of electrons, while a Lewis base is defined as a species that can donate a pair of electrons. Let's analyze the options given: 1. **NH3 (Ammonia)**: - Ammonia has a lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom. This allows it to donate that lone pair, making it a Lewis base, not a Lewis acid. 2. **BF3 (Boron Trifluoride)**: ...
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