LEWIS BASE Meaning and
Definition
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A Lewis base is a chemical species that donates a pair of electrons during a chemical reaction. Coined by Gilbert N. Lewis, a Lewis base is a substance characterized by its electron-rich nature, possessing an unoccupied orbital or lone pair of electrons that can be shared or donated to another chemical species. This electron pair donation can occur in various chemical processes, such as coordination or formation of chemical bonds. Lewis bases are commonly referred to as nucleophiles due to their ability to act as electron donors.
In a Lewis acid-base reaction, the Lewis base interacts with a Lewis acid, which is an electron acceptor. The Lewis base donates its electron pair to the vacant orbital of the Lewis acid, resulting in the formation of a coordinate covalent bond. This reaction may be reversible, as the Lewis acid can also act as a Lewis base by donating its electron pair to another species.
Lewis bases exhibit a wide range of chemical properties and applications. They play crucial roles in many fundamental chemical reactions, including acid-base reactions, coordination chemistry, and catalysis. Examples of Lewis bases include molecules with lone pairs of electrons such as amines, water, and hydroxide ions. Additionally, anions like chloride ions and cyanide ions can also act as Lewis bases. Understanding the concept of Lewis bases is pivotal in various fields of chemistry and has significant implications in understanding chemical reactivity and molecular interactions.
Common Misspellings for LEWIS BASE
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Etymology of LEWIS BASE
The term "Lewis base" is named after the American chemist Gilbert N. Lewis, who proposed the concept of electron pair donation in chemical reactions. Gilbert N. Lewis introduced the idea of a "base" as a species that can donate a pair of electrons to form a coordinate covalent bond with another species, often referred to as an acid. This theory, known as Lewis acid-base theory, greatly expanded the understanding of chemical reactions and bonding. Hence, the term "Lewis base" originated from Gilbert N. Lewis's name and his contributions to the field of chemistry.
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