Question

Which one of the following molecular hydrides acts as a Lewis acid?

• A. $C{H}_4$
• B. $N{H}_3$
• C. $H_{2}O$
• D. $B_2{H}_6$

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

$B_2{H}_6$ is a Lewis acid here as it is electron deficient (6 electron) so it can accept electrons. $N{H}_3,H_{2}O$ are Lewis bases as they have lone pair of electrons to donate. $C{H}_4$ is neither Lewis acid nor Lewis base as it can not donate (have no lone pair) or accept electron (have no vacant orbital).