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2 Lewis Acids and Bases – Chemistry

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CHEMISTRY

CONTENTS

Chapter 15. Equilibria of Other Reaction Classes

15.2 Lewis Acids and Bases

Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Explain the Lewis model of acid-base chemistry

Write equations for the formation of adducts and complex ions

Perform equilibrium calculations involving formation constants

In 1923, G. N. Lewis proposed a generalized definition of acid-base behavior in which acids

and bases are identified by their ability to accept or to donate a pair of electrons and form a
coordinate covalent bond.

A coordinate covalent bond (or dative bond) occurs when one of the atoms in the bond
provides both bonding electrons. For example, a coordinate covalent bond occurs when a
Previous:
water 15.1 Precipitation
molecule combines withand Dissolution
a hydrogen ion to form a hydronium ion. A coordinate covalent
bond also results when an ammonia molecule combines with a hydrogen ion to form an
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ammonium ion. Both of these equations are shown here. Increase Font Size

A Lewis acid is any species (molecule or ion) that can accept a pair of electrons, and a Lewis
base is any species (molecule or ion) that can donate a pair of electrons.

A Lewis acid-base reaction occurs when a base donates a pair of electrons to an acid. A Lewis
acid-base adduct, a compound that contains a coordinate covalent bond between the Lewis
acid and the Lewis base, is formed. The following equations illustrate the general application
of the Lewis concept.

The boron atom in boron trifluoride, BF3, has only six electrons in its valence shell. Being
short of the preferred octet, BF3 is a very good Lewis acid and reacts with many Lewis bases;
a fluoride ion is the Lewis base in this reaction, donating one of its lone pairs:

In the following reaction, each of two ammonia molecules, Lewis bases, donates a pair of

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electrons to a silver ion, the Lewis acid: Increase Font Size

Nonmetal oxides act as Lewis acids and react with oxide ions, Lewis bases, to form
oxyanions:

Many Lewis acid-base reactions are displacement reactions in which one Lewis base displaces
another Lewis base from an acid-base adduct, or in which one Lewis acid displaces another
Lewis acid:

ThePrevious:
last displacement reaction
15.1 Precipitation and shows how the reaction of a Brønsted-Lowry acid with a base
Dissolution
fits into the Lewis concept. A Brønsted-Lowry acid such as HCl is an acid-base adduct
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according to the Lewis concept, and proton transfer occurs because a moreIncrease Font Size
stable acid-base
adduct is formed. Thus, although the definitions of acids and bases in the two theories are
quite different, the theories overlap considerably.

Many slightly soluble ionic solids dissolve when the concentration of the metal ion in solution
is decreased through the formation of complex (polyatomic) ions in a Lewis acid-base
reaction. For example, silver chloride dissolves in a solution of ammonia because the silver ion
reacts with ammonia to form the complex ion . The Lewis structure of the
ion is:

The equations for the dissolution of AgCl in a solution of NH3 are:

Aluminum hydroxide dissolves in a solution of sodium hydroxide or another strong base

because of the formation of the complex ion . The Lewis structure of the
ion is:

The equations for the dissolution are:

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Mercury(II) sulfide dissolves in a solution of sodium sulfide because HgS reacts with the S2–
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ion: Increase Font Size

A complex ion consists of a central atom, typically a transition metal cation, surrounded by
ions, or molecules called ligands. These ligands can be neutral molecules like H2O or NH3, or
ions such as CN– or OH–. Often, the ligands act as Lewis bases, donating a pair of electrons to
the central atom. The ligands aggregate themselves around the central atom, creating a new ion
with a charge equal to the sum of the charges and, most often, a transitional metal ion. This
more complex arrangement is why the resulting ion is called a complex ion. The complex ion
formed in these reactions cannot be predicted; it must be determined experimentally. The types
of bonds formed in complex ions are called coordinate covalent bonds, as electrons from the
ligands are being shared with the central atom. Because of this, complex ions are sometimes
referred to as coordination complexes. This will be studied further in upcoming chapters.

The equilibrium constant for the reaction of the components of a complex ion to form the
complex ion in solution is called a formation constant (Kf) (sometimes called a stability
constant). For example, the complex ion is shown here:

It forms by the reaction:

At equilibrium:

The inverse of the formation constant is the dissociation constant (Kd), the equilibrium
constant for the decomposition of a complex ion into its components in solution. We will work
with dissociation constants further in the exercises for this section. Appendix K and Table 2
are tables of formation constants. In general, the larger the formation constant, the more stable
the complex; however, as in the case of Ksp values, the stoichiometry of the compound must be
considered.

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Substance Kf at 25 °C Increase Font Size

3 × 1018

1.7 × 107

7 × 1019

Table 2. Common Complex Ions by Decreasing Formulation Constants

As an example of dissolution by complex ion formation, let us consider what happens when
we add aqueous ammonia to a mixture of silver chloride and water. Silver chloride dissolves
slightly in water, giving a small concentration of Ag+ ([Ag+] = 1.3 × 10–5M):

However, if NH3 is present in the water, the complex ion, , can form according to
the equation:

with

The large size of this formation constant indicates that most of the free silver ions produced by
the dissolution of AgCl combine with NH3 to form . As a consequence, the
concentration of silver ions, [Ag+], is reduced, and the reaction quotient for the dissolution of
silver chloride, [Ag+][Cl–], falls below the solubility product of AgCl:

More silver chloride then dissolves. If the concentration of ammonia is great enough, all of the
silver chloride dissolves.

Example 1

Dissociation of a Complex Ion

Calculate the concentration of the silver ion in a solution that initially is 0.10 M with
respect to .
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We use the familiar path to solve this problem: Increase Font Size

1. Determine the direction of change. The complex ion is in equilibrium

with its components, as represented by the equation:

We write the equilibrium as a formation reaction because Appendix K lists

formation constants for complex ions. Before equilibrium, the reaction quotient is
larger than the equilibrium constant [Kf = 1.7 × 107, and , it is infinitely
large], so the reaction shifts to the left to reach equilibrium.
2. Determine x and equilibrium concentrations. We let the change in concentration
of Ag+ be x. Dissociation of 1 mol of gives 1 mol of Ag+ and 2 mol of
NH3, so the change in [NH3] is 2x and that of is –x. In summary:

3. Solve for x and the equilibrium concentrations. At equilibrium:

Both Q and Kf are much larger than 1, so let us assume that the changes in
concentrations needed to reach equilibrium are small. Thus 0.10 – x is
approximated as 0.10:

Because only 1.1% of the dissociates into Ag+ and NH3, the
assumption that x is small is justified.

Now we determine the equilibrium concentrations:

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The concentration of free silver ion in the solution is 0.0011 M.Increase Font Size

4. Check the work. The value of Q calculated using the equilibrium concentrations is
equal to Kf within the error associated with the significant figures in the
calculation.

Check Your Learning

Calculate the silver ion concentration, [Ag+], of a solution prepared by dissolving 1.00 g
of AgNO3 and 10.0 g of KCN in sufficient water to make 1.00 L of solution. (Hint:
Because Q < Kf, assume the reaction goes to completion then calculate the [Ag+]
produced by dissociation of the complex.)

Answer:

2.5 × 10–22M

Key Concepts and Summary

G.N. Lewis proposed a definition for acids and bases that relies on an atom’s or molecule’s
ability to accept or donate electron pairs. A Lewis acid is a species that can accept an electron
pair, whereas a Lewis base has an electron pair available for donation to a Lewis acid.
Complex ions are examples of Lewis acid-base adducts. In a complex ion, we have a central
atom, often consisting of a transition metal cation, which acts as a Lewis acid, and several
neutral molecules or ions surrounding them called ligands that act as Lewis bases. Complex
ions form by sharing electron pairs to form coordinate covalent bonds. The equilibrium
reaction that occurs when forming a complex ion has an equilibrium constant associated with
it called a formation constant, Kf. This is often referred to as a stability constant, as it
represents the stability of the complex ion. Formation of complex ions in solution can have a
profound effect on the solubility of a transition metal compound.

Chemistry End of Chapter Exercises

1. Under what circumstances, if any, does a sample of solid AgCl completely

dissolve in pure water?
2. Explain why the addition of NH3 or HNO3 to a saturated solution of Ag2CO3 in
Previous: 15.1 Precipitation and Dissolution
contact with solid Ag2CO3 increases the solubility of the solid.
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3. Calculate the cadmium ion concentration, [Cd2+], in a solution prepared

Increaseby
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mixing 0.100 L of 0.0100 M Cd(NO3)2 with 1.150 L of 0.100 NH3(aq).

4. Explain why addition of NH3 or HNO3 to a saturated solution of Cu(OH)2 in

contact with solid Cu(OH)2 increases the solubility of the solid.
5. Sometimes equilibria for complex ions are described in terms of dissociation
constants, Kd. For the complex ion the dissociation reaction is:
and

Calculate the value of the formation constant, Kf, for .

6. Using the value of the formation constant for the complex ion ,
calculate the dissociation constant.
7. Using the dissociation constant, Kd = 7.8 × 10–18, calculate the equilibrium
concentrations of Cd2+ and CN– in a 0.250-M solution of .

8. Using the dissociation constant, Kd = 3.4 × 10–15, calculate the equilibrium

concentrations of Zn2+ and OH– in a 0.0465-M solution of .
9. Using the dissociation constant, Kd = 2.2 × 10–34, calculate the equilibrium
concentrations of Co3+ and NH3 in a 0.500-M solution of .
10. Using the dissociation constant, Kd = 1 × 10–44, calculate the equilibrium
concentrations of Fe3+ and CN– in a 0.333 M solution of .

11. Calculate the mass of potassium cyanide ion that must be added to 100 mL of
solution to dissolve 2.0 × 10–2 mol of silver cyanide, AgCN.

12. Calculate the minimum concentration of ammonia needed in 1.0 L of solution to

dissolve 3.0 × 10–3 mol of silver bromide.
13. A roll of 35-mm black and white photographic film contains about 0.27 g of
unexposed AgBr before developing. What mass of Na2S2O3·5H2O (sodium
thiosulfate pentahydrate or hypo) in 1.0 L of developer is required to dissolve the
AgBr as (Kf = 4.7 × 1013)?
14. We have seen an introductory definition of an acid: An acid is a compound that
reacts with water and increases the amount of hydronium ion present. In the
chapter on acids and bases, we saw two more definitions of acids: a compound
that donates a proton (a hydrogen ion, H+) to another compound is called a
Brønsted-Lowry acid, and a Lewis acid is any species that can accept a pair of
electrons. Explain why the introductory definition is a macroscopic definition,
while
Previous: the Brønsted-Lowry
15.1 Precipitation definition
and Dissolution and the Lewis definition are microscopic
definitions.
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15. Write the Lewis structures of the reactants and product of each ofIncrease Font Size
the following
equations, and identify the Lewis acid and the Lewis base in each:
(a)
(b)
(c)

(d) (use Al-Cl single bonds)

(e)

16. Write the Lewis structures of the reactants and product of each of the following
equations, and identify the Lewis acid and the Lewis base in each:
(a)

(b)
(c)

(d)
(e)

17. Using Lewis structures, write balanced equations for the following reactions:
(a)
(b)
(c)

(d)
18. Calculate in a solution prepared by adding 0.0200 mol of NaCl to 0.250
L of a 0.100-M HgCl2 solution.

19. In a titration of cyanide ion, 28.72 mL of 0.0100 M AgNO3 is added before

precipitation begins. [The reaction of Ag+ with CN– goes to completion,
producing the complex.] Precipitation of solid AgCN takes place when
excess Ag+ is added to the solution, above the amount needed to complete the
formation of . How many grams of NaCN were in the original sample?
20. What are the concentrations of Ag+, CN–, and in a saturated solution of
AgCN?

21. In dilute aqueous solution HF acts as a weak acid. However, pure liquid HF
(boiling point = 19.5 °C) is a strong acid. In liquid HF, HNO3 acts like a base and
accepts protons. The acidity of liquid HF can be increased by adding one of
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several inorganic fluorides that are Lewis acids and accept F– ion (for example,
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BF3 or SbF5). Write balanced chemical equations for the reactionIncrease Font Size
of pure HNO 3
with pure HF and of pure HF with BF3.

22. The simplest amino acid is glycine, H2NCH2CO2H. The common feature of
amino acids is that they contain the functional groups: an amine group, –NH2,
and a carboxylic acid group, –CO2H. An amino acid can function as either an
acid or a base. For glycine, the acid strength of the carboxyl group is about the
same as that of acetic acid, CH3CO2H, and the base strength of the amino group
is slightly greater than that of ammonia, NH3.
(a) Write the Lewis structures of the ions that form when glycine is dissolved in
1 M HCl and in 1 M KOH.

(b) Write the Lewis structure of glycine when this amino acid is dissolved in
water. (Hint: Consider the relative base strengths of the –NH2 and
groups.)
23. Boric acid, H3BO3, is not a Brønsted-Lowry acid but a Lewis acid.
(a) Write an equation for its reaction with water.

(b) Predict the shape of the anion thus formed.

(c) What is the hybridization on the boron consistent with the shape you have
predicted?

Glossary

complex ion
ion consisting of a transition metal central atom and surrounding molecules or ions called
ligands

coordinate covalent bond

(also, dative bond) bond formed when one atom provides both electrons in a shared pair

dissociation constant
(Kd) equilibrium constant for the decomposition of a complex ion into its components in
solution

formation constant
(Kf) (also, stability constant) equilibrium constant for the formation of a complex ion from
its components in solution
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Increase
any species that can accept a pair of electrons and form a coordinate covalent Font Size
bond

Lewis acid-base adduct

compound or ion that contains a coordinate covalent bond between a Lewis acid and a
Lewis base

Lewis base
any species that can donate a pair of electrons and form a coordinate covalent bond

ligand
molecule or ion that surrounds a transition metal and forms a complex ion; ligands act as
Lewis bases

Solutions

Answers to Chemistry End of Chapter Exercises

1. When the amount of solid is so small that a saturated solution is not produced

3. 8 × 10–5M
5. 5 × 1023
7.

[Cd2+] = 9.5 × 10–5M; [CN–] = 3.8 × 10–4M

9. [Co3+] = 3.0 × 10–6M; [NH3] = 1.8 × 10–5M
11. 1.3 g

13. 0.79 g
15. (a)

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(b) Increase Font Size

(c)

(d)

(e)

17. (a)

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(b) Increase Font Size

(c)

(d)

19. 0.0281 g

21. ;
23. (a) ; (b) The electronic and molecular shapes are
the same—both tetrahedral. (c) The tetrahedral structure is consistent with sp3
hybridization.

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