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Ch.16 - Acids and Bases
Chapter 16, Problem 124d

Classify each species as either a Lewis acid or a Lewis base. d. CN

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Lewis Acids and Bases

Lewis acids are defined as electron pair acceptors, while Lewis bases are electron pair donors. This classification is based on the ability of a species to either accept or donate a pair of electrons during a chemical reaction, expanding the traditional definitions of acids and bases beyond just protons.
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Electron Pair Donation

A Lewis base donates an electron pair to form a covalent bond with a Lewis acid. This process is crucial in many chemical reactions, as it allows for the formation of new compounds and the stabilization of reactive intermediates. Understanding which species can donate electron pairs is essential for classifying them correctly.
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Cyanide Ion (CN-)

The cyanide ion (CN-) is a well-known example of a Lewis base because it has a lone pair of electrons on the carbon atom that can be donated to a Lewis acid. This property allows CN- to participate in various chemical reactions, including coordination complexes and nucleophilic substitutions.
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