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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements best describes the concept of a Lewis acid?
A
A Lewis acid is a substance that donates an electron pair.
B
A Lewis acid is a substance that donates a proton.
C
A Lewis acid is a substance that accepts a proton.
D
A Lewis acid is a substance that accepts an electron pair.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of Lewis acids and bases: A Lewis acid is defined as a chemical species that can accept an electron pair, while a Lewis base is a species that can donate an electron pair.
Review the given options: The problem provides several statements about Lewis acids, and you need to identify which one correctly describes a Lewis acid.
Analyze each option: Start by evaluating the first option, which states that a Lewis acid donates an electron pair. This is incorrect because donating an electron pair is characteristic of a Lewis base, not a Lewis acid.
Consider the second option, which states that a Lewis acid donates a proton. This describes a Brønsted-Lowry acid, not a Lewis acid, so this option is also incorrect.
Evaluate the third option, which states that a Lewis acid accepts a proton. This is again a description of a Brønsted-Lowry acid. The correct description of a Lewis acid is that it accepts an electron pair, which is not explicitly listed in the options but is the correct definition.