Is BF3 an acid or a base?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking whether BF3 (Boron trifluoride) acts as an acid or a base. This involves understanding the characteristics of BF3 in chemical reactions and its role in acid-base theory.
Answer
BF3 is a Lewis acid.
The final answer is BF3 is a Lewis acid.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is BF3 is a Lewis acid.
More Information
BF3 acts as a Lewis acid because it can accept an electron pair due to its electron deficiency arising from the empty p-orbital on boron.
Tips
A common mistake would be to assume that BF3 could act as a base since fluorine generally has lone pairs but it's incorrect because electron deficiency on boron makes BF3 an electron-pair acceptor.
Sources
- Explanation of Lewis acids & Bases - CHEMISTRY COMMUNITY - lavelle.chem.ucla.edu
- Explain why BF3 behaves as a lewis acid Chemistry Q&A - BYJU'S - byjus.com
- Why does boron trifluoride (BF3) act as a Lewis base and ammonia - Quora - quora.com
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