Open Question
Which of these definitions could be used to define SO2 as a base? Check all that apply.
17. Acid and Base Equilibrium
Lewis Acids and Bases
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Identify each of the following compounds as either a Lewis acid, a Lewis base or neither.
a) ZnCl2 b) CN –
c) NH4+ d) Co3+
A
a) acid b) base c) acid d) neither
B
a) acid b) acid c) neither d) base
C
a) acid b) base c) neither d) acid
D
a) base b) base c) neither d) acid
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the definition of a Lewis acid and a Lewis base. A Lewis acid is a compound that can accept an electron pair, while a Lewis base is a compound that can donate an electron pair.
Step 2: Analyze ZnCl2. Zinc chloride (ZnCl2) can act as a Lewis acid because the zinc ion (Zn2+) can accept electron pairs due to its empty orbitals.
Step 3: Analyze CN–. The cyanide ion (CN–) has a lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom, which it can donate, making it a Lewis base.
Step 4: Analyze NH4+. The ammonium ion (NH4+) does not have any lone pairs of electrons to donate, nor does it have empty orbitals to accept electrons, so it is neither a Lewis acid nor a Lewis base.
Step 5: Analyze Co3+. The cobalt ion (Co3+) can act as a Lewis acid because it has empty orbitals that can accept electron pairs.
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