Questions: In the following reaction, which is the acid?
(CH3)3 N+BF3 → (CH3)3 N-BF3
a. (CH3)3 N b. BF3 c. (CH3)3 N-BF3 d. there is no acid
Transcript text: 6. In the following reaction, which is the acid?
\[
\left(\mathrm{CH}_{3}\right)_{3} \mathrm{~N}+\mathrm{BF}_{3} \rightarrow\left(\mathrm{CH}_{3}\right)_{3} \mathrm{~N}-\mathrm{BF}_{3}
\]
a. $\left(\mathrm{CH}_{3}\right)_{3} \mathrm{~N}$ b. $\mathrm{BF}_{3} \quad$ c. $\left(\mathrm{CH}_{3}\right)_{3} \mathrm{~N}-\mathrm{BF}_{3}$
d. there is no acid
Solution
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify the Lewis Acid and Base
In the given reaction, we need to identify the Lewis acid and the Lewis base. A Lewis acid is a substance that can accept an electron pair, while a Lewis base is a substance that can donate an electron pair.
Step 2: Analyze the Reactants
The reactants are \((\mathrm{CH}_3)_3 \mathrm{N}\) and \(\mathrm{BF}_3\).
\((\mathrm{CH}_3)_3 \mathrm{N}\) (trimethylamine) has a lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom, making it a Lewis base.
\(\mathrm{BF}_3\) (boron trifluoride) has an incomplete octet on the boron atom, making it a Lewis acid as it can accept an electron pair.
Step 3: Determine the Acid
Since \(\mathrm{BF}_3\) is the species that accepts an electron pair, it is the Lewis acid in this reaction.