Question

consider the reaction and indicate which reactant in the lewis acid and which is the lewis base
bf₃ + h₃c—oh → structure
identify the true statement(s).
□ this not a lewis acid - base reaction.
□ bf₃ is the lewis base.
□ bf₃ is the lewis acid.
□ ch₃oh is the lewis acid.
□ ch₃oh is the lewis base.

Explanation:

A Lewis acid is an electron-pair acceptor, and a Lewis base is an electron-pair donor. In the reaction, $\text{BF}_3$ has an incomplete octet on boron, so it accepts an electron pair. $\text{CH}_3\text{OH}$ has lone pairs on oxygen, which it donates to form a bond with boron, making this a Lewis acid-base reaction.

Answer:

• $\text{BF}_3$ is the Lewis acid.
• $\text{CH}_3\text{OH}$ is the Lewis base.