Question

Identify the Lewis acid and Lewis base (Describe the relation of item A in terms of the theory of Lewis):

A) AlCl3(s) + Cl- (aq) -----------> AlCl4-(aq)

B) C2H5OC2H5+AlCl3 -------> (C2H5)2OAlCl3

C) Hg2+4CN- -----> Hg(CN)4 ²-

Answer 1

A)

Cl- is lewis base due to presence of negative charge. So, it can donate electrons

AlCl3 is lewis acid as Al in AlCl3 has vacant d orbital which can accept electrons.

B)

C2H5OC2H5 is lewis base due to presence of lone pair on oxygen atom. So, it can donate electrons

AlCl3 is lewis acid as Al in AlCl3 has vacant d orbital which can accept electrons.

C)

CN- is lewis base due to presence of negative charge. So, it can donate electrons

Hg2+ is lewis acid due to presence of positive charge. So, it can acept electrons