Question

Answer the question using the equation: HCl(aq) + H₂O(l) - H* (aq) + Cl⁻ (aq) + H₂O(l) - H₃O⁺(aq) + Cl⁻ (aq). Which reactant is a Lewis base?

a. HCl(aq)
b. H₂O(l)
c. H* (aq)
d. Cl⁻ (aq)

Answer 1

In the chemical equation provided, H₂O(l) acts as a Lewis base as it donates a pair of electrons to form the hydronium ion (H₃O⁺).

Step-by-step explanation:

The reactant that is a Lewis base in the equation HCl(aq) + H₂O(l) → H₃O⁺(aq) + Cl⁻(aq) is H₂O(l). In this reaction, water (H₂O) donates a pair of electrons to the hydrogen ion (H⁺) to form the hydronium ion (H₃O⁺), which is characteristic of a Lewis base as it involves the donation of an electron pair. The other substances, namely HCl (hydrochloric acid), H* (proton), and Cl⁻ (chloride ion), do not donate electron pairs in this context.