Question:

Which of the following compound CANNOT act as a Lewis base?

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A Lewis base must have an available lone pair on the central atom; \(\mathrm{PCl_5}\) has none on phosphorus.
Updated On: Nov 4, 2026
  • \(\mathrm{SF_4}\)
  • \(\mathrm{NF_3}\)
  • \(\mathrm{ClF_3}\)
  • \(\mathrm{PCl_5}\)
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

A Lewis base donates a lone pair of electrons.
\(\mathrm{SF_4}\): S has one lone pair (see-saw shape), so it can donate.
\(\mathrm{NF_3}\): N has one lone pair (although weakly basic), so it can donate.
\(\mathrm{ClF_3}\): Cl has two lone pairs (T-shape), so it can donate.
\(\mathrm{PCl_5}\): P uses all five valence electrons in bonding, there is no lone pair on P (trigonal bipyramidal); it acts only as a Lewis acid.
Answer: (4) \(\mathrm{PCl_5}\)
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