Lewis Base
| Formula / Notation | Lewis base: electron pair donor; e.g., NH₃, OH⁻, F⁻, CO, R₃P |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Lewis base, electron donor, nucleophile (related), HSAB base, ligand |
What is Lewis Base?
A species that can donate an electron pair to an acceptor (Lewis acid) to form a coordinate bond. Lewis bases are nucleophiles and include species with lone pairs of electrons. Examples include NH₃, H₂O, and halide ions. The Lewis definition encompasses all Brønsted-Lowry bases.
Formula & Notation
Other Names / Synonyms: Lewis base, electron donor, nucleophile (related), HSAB base, ligand
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 donate an electron pair to an acceptor (Lewis acid) to form a coordinate bond. Lewis bases are nucleophiles and include species with lone pairs of electrons. Examples include NH₃, H₂O, and halide ions. The Lewis definition encompasses all Brønsted-Lowry bases.
Lewis base applications include: ligands in coordination chemistry (NH₃, EDTA, CO as Lewis bases bound to metal ions), nucleophiles in organic reactions (halide ions, hydroxide, amines as Lewis base nucleophiles), Lewis base catalysis (DMAP as Lewis base acylation catalyst), and in biochemistry (enz…
Strong Lewis bases (cyanide, CO, organophosphines) are often highly toxic. CN⁻ inhibits cytochrome c oxidase by acting as a Lewis base to iron (Lewis acid). CO binds to haemoglobin iron. Lewis base nucleophiles that are also reactive (e.g., sodium amide NaNH₂) are pyrophoric.
The formula or notation for Lewis Base is: Lewis base: electron pair donor; e.g., NH₃, OH⁻, F⁻, CO, R₃P