Lewis Acid
| Formula / Notation | Lewis acid: electron pair acceptor; e.g., BF₃, AlCl₃, H⁺, Fe³⁺ |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Lewis acid, electron acceptor, electrophile (related), HSAB acid |
What is Lewis Acid?
A species that can accept an electron pair from a donor (Lewis base) to form a coordinate bond. Lewis acids are electrophiles. Examples include BF₃, AlCl₃, and metal cations. The Lewis definition of acids is broader than the Brønsted-Lowry definition.
Formula & Notation
Other Names / Synonyms: Lewis acid, electron acceptor, electrophile (related), HSAB acid
Properties & Characteristics
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
A species that can accept an electron pair from a donor (Lewis base) to form a coordinate bond. Lewis acids are electrophiles. Examples include BF₃, AlCl₃, and metal cations. The Lewis definition of acids is broader than the Brønsted-Lowry definition.
Lewis acid catalysis is ubiquitous in organic chemistry: Friedel-Crafts alkylation and acylation (AlCl₃ or BF₃ as catalyst), epoxide ring opening, Diels-Alder reactions (TiCl₄ as Lewis acid activator), zeolite acidity in petroleum cracking, and in polymerisation catalysis (Ziegler-Natta Lewis acid m…
Many Lewis acids are corrosive and react vigorously with water: BF₃ hydrolyses to boric acid and HF; AlCl₃ + H₂O → Al(OH)₃ + HCl with evolution of heat and HCl gas. Use in anhydrous conditions with adequate fume hood ventilation. Strong Lewis acids (SbF₅, AsF₅) are extremely corrosive.
The formula or notation for Lewis Acid is: Lewis acid: electron pair acceptor; e.g., BF₃, AlCl₃, H⁺, Fe³⁺