Question

Which of the following molecules acts as a Lewis acid?

• A. $(C{H}_3{)}_{3}B$
• B. $(C{H}_3{)}_{2}O$
• C. $(C{H}_3{)}_{3}P$
• D. $(C{H}_3{)}_{3}N$

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Step 1: Find out the number of empty orbitals or lone pairs in each compound:
In option $A$, there is $1$ lone pair and $0$ empty orbitals.
In option $B$, there is $0$ lone pair and $1$ empty orbital.
In option $C$, there are $2$ lone pairs and $0$ empty orbital.
In option $D$, there is $1$ lone pair and $0$ empty orbital.
Step 2: Molecules with lone pairs act as lewis bases and those with empty orbitals act as Lewis acids.
Option $A$ is lewis Base.
Option $B$ is lewis Acid.
Option $C$ is lewis Base.
Option $D$ is lewis Base.