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Ch.17 - Acids and Bases
Chapter 17, Problem 123

Classify each species as either a Lewis acid or a Lewis base. a. Fe3+ b. BH3 c. NH3 d. F-

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1
Understand the definition of Lewis acids and bases: A Lewis acid is a species that can accept an electron pair, while a Lewis base is a species that can donate an electron pair.
Analyze Fe^{3+}: It is a metal cation with a positive charge, which means it can accept electron pairs, classifying it as a Lewis acid.
Examine BH_3: Boron in BH_3 has an incomplete octet and can accept an electron pair, making it a Lewis acid.
Consider NH_3: Ammonia has a lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom, which it can donate, classifying it as a Lewis base.
Evaluate F^-: The fluoride ion has extra electrons and can donate an electron pair, making it a Lewis base.

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