Compounds that tend to donate electron pairs are known as Lewis bases. Which one of the following is not a Lewis base?

Correct answer: C. AlCl₃

  • A. CH₃-NH₂
  • B. PH₃
  • C. AlCl₃
  • D. H₂O

Explanation

A Lewis base has a lone pair of electrons to donate. Aluminum chloride (AlCl₃) is electron-deficient as the central aluminum atom has an incomplete octet. It acts as a Lewis acid by accepting an electron pair.

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About Acids, Bases and Salts

Acid and base behaviour is explained through the Bronsted-Lowry transfer of protons and the Lewis donation or acceptance of electron pairs. The topic includes pH, pOH, ionisation and water equilibrium, plus salt formation and hydrolysis, where a salt solution may become acidic, basic or neutral.

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