Question:

Identify the pair containing only Lewis acids.

Show Hint

Lewis acids accept electron pairs, while Lewis bases donate electron pairs.
  • \(BF_3,\ NH_3\)
  • \(H^+,\ BF_3\)
  • \(F^-,\ H_2O\)
  • \(NH_4^+,\ NH_3\)
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation


Step 1:
A Lewis acid is a species that can accept an electron pair. \[ \text{Lewis acid}=\text{electron pair acceptor} \]

Step 2:
\(BF_3\) is a Lewis acid because boron has an incomplete octet and can accept an electron pair.

Step 3:
\(H^+\) is also a Lewis acid because it can accept an electron pair from a Lewis base. \[ H^+ + :NH_3 \rightarrow NH_4^+ \]

Step 4:
Now check the other species: \[ NH_3 \] has a lone pair on nitrogen, so it acts as a Lewis base, not a Lewis acid. \[ F^- \] also has lone pairs and acts as a Lewis base. \[ H_2O \] can donate lone pairs from oxygen, so it is generally a Lewis base.

Step 5:
Therefore, the pair containing only Lewis acids is: \[ H^+,\ BF_3 \] \[ \boxed{H^+,\ BF_3} \]
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