Question:

The strongest Lewis acid among boron halides is

Updated On: Jun 14, 2022
  • $ BBr_{3}$
  • $ BCl_{3}$
  • $ BI_{3}$
  • $ BF_{3}$
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Generally, as the electronegativity increases, acidic character increases but in case of boron halides, $BI _{3}$ is most acidic, ie, strongest Lewis acid. This is because there is back donation of electrons from $F$ atom to boron in case of $BF _{3}$. This makes the $BF _{3}$ less electron deficient. The tendency of back donation decreases as the size of halogen atom increases (due to large energy difference). Hence, $BI _{3}$ is most electron deficient and thus, the strongest Lewis acid.
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Concepts Used:

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