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Lewis Theory of Acids and Bases PDF

Lewis' theory defines acids as electron pair acceptors and bases as electron pair donors. Lewis acids, such as H+ and AlCl3, have fewer than a full octet of electrons and accept electron pairs from Lewis bases like OH- and NH3, which have available lone pairs to donate. The reaction forms a coordinate covalent bond between the acid and base known as an adduct. Lewis' theory is more flexible than Bronsted-Lowry by accommodating non-aqueous systems and those not involving hydrogen ions.

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213 views1 page

Lewis Theory of Acids and Bases PDF

Lewis' theory defines acids as electron pair acceptors and bases as electron pair donors. Lewis acids, such as H+ and AlCl3, have fewer than a full octet of electrons and accept electron pairs from Lewis bases like OH- and NH3, which have available lone pairs to donate. The reaction forms a coordinate covalent bond between the acid and base known as an adduct. Lewis' theory is more flexible than Bronsted-Lowry by accommodating non-aqueous systems and those not involving hydrogen ions.

Uploaded by

Ahad Rizvi
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Lewis Theory of Acids and Bases:

Statement:

"Acid is a substance that accepts an electron pair whereas base is a substance


that can donates electron pair".

Explanation:

Lewis’ acid and base is commonly known as electrophilic (electron loving) and nucleophilic
(nucleus loving) reagents since they have capability to accept and donate electron pair
respectively.

Considering Lewis concept, hydrogen ion (H+) is an acid because it accepts electron pair.
Similarly, hydroxide ion (OH) is base since it donates lone pair of electrons.

Several neutral molecules such as AlCl3, BF3, FeCl3 etc serves as Lewis acids due to electron
deficiency on the central atom (fewer than eight valence electrons). On the other hand ammonia
(NH3), Phosphene (PH3), Water (H2O) etc although have their complete octet but possess lone
pair of electron that is available to donate hence they serves as Lewis base.

Postulates:
• It indicates sharing of electron pair between a donor and accepter reagent.
• Species (compounds or cations) having less than a full octet of electrons behave like Lewis’
acids
• All species (compounds or anions), having lone pair of electrons behave like Lewis’ base.
• The product formed in a Lewis’ acid base reaction possesses a coordinate covalent bond
between Lewis’ acid and base and known as adduct.
Advantages of Lewis Theory:

• Lewis’ theory is more flexible than Bronsted-Lowry theory, because it can accommodate
both non-aqueous systems and systems that do not involve hydrogen ions.
• He defined a Lewis acid from the point of view of the electrons rather than from the point of
view of hydrogen ions (protons). An electron pair donor becomes a Lewis base and an
electron pair acceptor is a Lewis acid.
• Lewis’ acids are not only limited to AlCl3 and BF3 type molecules but molecules with polar
multiple bonds as well as metal cations also function as Lewis’ acids.

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