Boric acid is an acid because its molecule

Options

A. Contains replaceable `H^(+)` ion
B. Gives up a proton
C. Accepts `OH^(-)` from water releasing proton
D. Combines with proton from water molecule

Answer

C

Explanation

Lewis acids are substances whose octet is incomplete and accepts electrons. Boric acid is a monobasic weak acid. It does not liberate `H^(+)` ion but accepts electrons from `OH^(-)` ion i.e., behaves as Lewis acid.
`H_(3)BO_(3) + H_(2)O rarr B(OH)_(4)^(-) + H^(+) or B(OH)_(3) + 2H_(2)O rArr [B(OH)_(4)]^(-) + H_(3)O^(+)`
The structure of `H_(3)BO_(3)` is as shown below, where the octet of boron in `H_(3)BO_(3)` is incomplete.