Lewis acid–base theory

E585208

Lewis acid–base theory is a chemical framework that defines acids as electron-pair acceptors and bases as electron-pair donors, broadening the concept of acid–base reactions beyond proton transfer.

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Statements (47)

Predicate Object
instanceOf acid–base theory
concept in chemistry
allowsClassificationOf species without hydrogen as acids or bases
applicableTo coordination chemistry
inorganic chemistry
non-protonic acid–base reactions
organic reaction mechanisms
broadensConceptBeyond proton transfer
classifiesAsLewisAcid electron-deficient species
metal cations
molecules with vacant orbitals
classifiesAsLewisBase anions with lone pairs
neutral molecules with lone pairs
contrastsWith Arrhenius acid–base theory NERFINISHED
Brønsted–Lowry acid–base theory NERFINISHED
definesAcidAs electron-pair acceptor
definesBaseAs electron-pair donor
describesReactionAs formation of a coordinate covalent bond
exampleOfLewisAcid AlCl3
BF3
H+ ion
exampleOfLewisBase Cl−
H2O
NH3
explains acid–base behavior in aprotic solvents
complex formation between metal cations and ligands
many electrophile–nucleophile reactions
field acid–base chemistry
chemistry
focusesOn electron-pair transfer
generalizes Brønsted–Lowry acid–base theory NERFINISHED
ignoresRequirementFor proton transfer
influencedDevelopmentOf frontier molecular orbital interpretations of reactivity
modern coordination chemistry
introducedBy Gilbert N. Lewis NERFINISHED
keyConcept Lewis acid NERFINISHED
Lewis base NERFINISHED
electron pair
namedAfter Gilbert N. Lewis NERFINISHED
reactionModel Lewis acid–Lewis base adduct formation
relatedConcept coordination bond
electrophile
nucleophile
usedIn catalysis analysis
design of Lewis acid catalysts
interpretation of reaction intermediates
yearProposed 1923

Referenced by (1)

Full triples — surface form annotated when it differs from this entity's canonical label.

Gilbert N. Lewis notableWork Lewis acid–base theory