Question

"Why does NH₃ displace H₂O in the formation of [Cu(NH₃)₄]₂+?

NH3 contains more lone pairs of electrons than H₂O.
NH3 is a stronger Lewis base than H₂O.
NH3 donates a lone pair of electrons more readily than does H₂O.
A. I and II only
B. I and III only
C. II and III only
D. I, II, and III"

Answer 1

Ammonia displaces water in the formation of [Cu(NH₃)₄]²+ due to it being a stronger Lewis base and more readily donating a lone pair of electrons.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ammonia (NH₃) is known to displace water (H₂O) in the formation of the complex ion [Cu(NH₃)₄]²+ because of its properties as a stronger Lewis base compared to water. This causes ammonia to be more effective at donating a lone pair of electrons to the copper ion, forming a stronger complex.

Statements II and III are correct: NH₃ is a stronger Lewis base than H₂O, and NH₃ donates a lone pair of electrons more readily than does H₂O. The number of lone pairs is not directly relevant to the displacement process, thereby making statement I incorrect. Thus, the correct options are II and III, leading to the answer (C) II and III only.