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Which reactant is the Lewis acid and which is the Lewis base?

A) Acid: Donor; Base: Acceptor
B) Acid: Acceptor; Base: Donor
C) Both are donors
D) Both are acceptors

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

The correct characterization of a Lewis acid is an acceptor of electron pairs, and a Lewis base is a donor of electron pairs. In their reaction, a Lewis base donates an electron pair to the Lewis acid, leading to the formation of a covalent bond.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of Lewis acid-base theory, the correct characterization of acids and bases is as follows:

  • Acid: Acceptor
  • Base: Donor

A Lewis acid is a substance that accepts a pair of electrons to form a covalent bond, while a Lewis base is a substance that donates a pair of electrons to form a covalent bond. In a reaction between a Lewis acid and base, the base provides an electron pair for the acid to accept, forming a covalent bond between the two.

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