Question:medium

Which of the following are Lewis acids? H2O, BF3, H+, and NH4+.

Updated On: Jan 20, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Concept:

According to Lewis theory:
• A Lewis acid is a species that can accept an electron pair.


Analysis of given species:

H2O

Water has lone pairs of electrons and can donate an electron pair.

Hence, H2O is a Lewis base, not a Lewis acid.


BF3

Boron in BF3 has an incomplete octet and can accept an electron pair.

Hence, BF3 is a Lewis acid.


H+

H+ has no electrons and can accept an electron pair.

Hence, H+ is a Lewis acid.


NH4+

NH4+ does not have a lone pair to donate, but it can accept an electron pair under suitable conditions.

Hence, NH4+ is considered a Lewis acid.


Final Answer:

Lewis acids among the given species are:
BF3, H+ and NH4+

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