Abstract
We saw in chapter 1 that complex compounds are often formed by direct reaction between a ‘simple’ molecule or ion and a ligand. How do we know which ‘simple’ substances will react with ligands? One way of dealing with this problem is to use the theory of acids and bases put forward by G.N. Lewis in 1938. Lewis called those substances capable of acting as ligands bases and the substances with which these react acids. The formal definitions may be summarised as follows
Lewis acid — an acceptor of an electron pair
Lewis base — a donor of an electron pair
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Bibliography
R.G. Pearson, J. chem. Educ. 45 (1968), 581–7 and 643–8
S. Ahrland, J. Chatt and N.R. Davies, Q. Rev. chem. Soc., 12 (1958), 265–276
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© 1974 D. Nicholls
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Nicholls, D. (1974). Lewis Acids and Bases. In: Complexes and First-Row Transition Elements. A Macmillan Chemistry Text. Palgrave, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-02335-6_2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-02335-6_2
Publisher Name: Palgrave, London
Print ISBN: 978-0-333-17088-5
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