Lewis acid

Definition

A Lewis acid is a chemical species that accepts an electron pair from another molecule during the formation of a covalent bond. Unlike the traditional concept of acids and bases, which focuses on proton donors and acceptors, the Lewis definition emphasizes the role of electron pair donors and acceptors.

Related terms

Electron Pair Donor: A species that provides an electron pair to another atom or molecule in forming a covalent bond.

Covalent Bond: A type of chemical bond where two atoms share one or more pairs of valence electrons.

Lewis Base: A species that donates an electron pair to a Lewis acid in order to form a covalent bond