lewis acids and bases

Let us learn about lewis acids and bases

When a Lewis base reacts with Lewis acid, a covalent bond is produced.

Best example, CO₂ Lewis acid reacts with OH^- Lewis base to give HCO₃^- bicarbonate ion, BF₃ boron trifluoride behaves as a Lewis acid & NH₃ ammonia as a Lewis base.

Calcium oxide (CaO) behaves as a Lewis base, & sulphur trioxide (SO₃) as a Lewis acid in the reaction between the 2.

CaO + SO3 ------------------> CaSO4

Lewis Lewis Calcium

Base acid sulphate

The Lewis concept of acids & bases suffers from the following limitations.

• It fails to account for the relative strength of bases & acids, as it is not based on ionization.

• An acid-base reaction essence an electron-transfer reaction should be pretty fast. Hence, many Lewis acid-base reactions are slow.

In our next blog we shall learn about transpiration excessive I hope the above explanation was useful.Keep reading and leave your comments.