By the end of this module, you will be able to:
In 1923, G. N. Lewis proposed a generalized definition of acid-base behavior in which acids and bases are identified by their ability to accept or to donate a pair of electrons and form a coordinate covalent bond.
A coordinate covalent bond (or dative bond) occurs when one of the atoms in the bond provides both bonding electrons. For example, a coordinate covalent bond occurs when a water molecule combines with a hydrogen ion to form a hydronium ion. A coordinate covalent bond also results when an ammonia molecule combines with a hydrogen ion to form an ammonium ion. Both of these equations are shown here.
A Lewis acid is any species (molecule or ion) that can accept a pair of electrons, and a Lewis base is any species (molecule or ion) that can donate a pair of electrons.
A Lewis acid-base reaction occurs when a base donates a pair of electrons to an acid. A Lewis acid-base adduct, a compound that contains a coordinate covalent bond between the Lewis acid and the Lewis base, is formed. The following equations illustrate the general application of the Lewis concept.
The boron atom in boron trifluoride, BF3, has only six electrons in its valence shell. Being short of the preferred octet, BF3 is a very good Lewis acid and reacts with many Lewis bases; a fluoride ion is the Lewis base in this reaction, donating one of its lone pairs:
labeled below as “Lewis base.” Following a plus sign is another structure which has a B atom at the center and three F atoms single bonded above, right, and below. Each F atom has three pairs of electron dots. This structure is labeled below as “Lewis acid.” Following a right pointing arrow is a structure in brackets that has a central B atom to which 4 F atoms are connected with single bonds above, below, to the left, and to the right. Each F atom in this structure has three pairs of electron dots. Outside the brackets is a superscript negative symbol. This structure is labeled below as “Acid-base adduct.”" width="879" height="334" />
In the following reaction, each of two ammonia molecules, Lewis bases, donates a pair of electrons to a silver ion, the Lewis acid:
labeled below as “Lewis base.” Following a plus sign is an A g atom which has a superscript plus symbol. Following a right pointing arrow is a structure in brackets that has a central A g atom to which N atoms are connected with single bonds to the left and to the right. Each of these N atoms has H atoms bonded above, below, and to the outside of the structure. Outside the brackets is a superscript plus symbol. This structure is labeled below as “Acid-base adduct.”" width="880" height="223" />
Nonmetal oxides act as Lewis acids and react with oxide ions, Lewis bases, to form oxyanions:
labeled below as “Lewis base.” Following a plus sign is another structure which has an S atom at the center. O atoms are single bonded above and below. These O atoms have three electron dot pairs each. To the right of the S atom is a double bonded O atom which has two pairs of electron dots. This structure is labeled below as “Lewis acid.” Following a right pointing arrow is a structure in brackets that has a central S atom to which 4 O atoms are connected with single bonds above, below, to the left, and to the right. Each of the O atoms has three pairs of electron dots. Outside the brackets is a superscript 2 negative. This structure is labeled below as “Acid-base adduct.”" width="880" height="223" />
Many Lewis acid-base reactions are displacement reactions in which one Lewis base displaces another Lewis base from an acid-base adduct, or in which one Lewis acid displaces another Lewis acid:
Outside the brackets is a superscript plus symbol. This structure is labeled below as “Acid-base adduct.” Following a plus sign is a 2 and another structure in brackets that shows a C atom triple bonded to an N atom. The C atom has an unshared electron pair on its left side and the N atom has an unshared pair on its right side. Outside the brackets to the right is a superscript negative symbol. This structure is labeled below as “Base.” Following a right pointing arrow is a structure in brackets that has a central A g atom to which 4 FC atoms are connected with single bonds to the left and to the right. At each of the two ends, N atoms are triple bonded to the C atoms. The N atoms each have an unshared electron pair at the end of the structure. Outside the brackets is a superscript negative symbol. This structure is labeled below as “New adduct.” Following a plus sign is an N atom which has H atoms single bonded above, to the left, and below. A single electron dot pair is on the left side of the N atom. This structure is labeled below as “New base.” In the second row, on the left side in brackets is a structure with a central C atom. O atoms, each with three unshared electron pairs, are single bonded above and below and a third O atom, with two unshared electron pairs, is double bonded to the right. Outside the brackets is a superscript 2 negative. This structure is labeled below as “Acid-base adduct.” Following a plus sign is another structure which has an S atom at the center. O atoms are single bonded above and below. These O atoms have three electron dot pairs each. To the right of the S atom is a double bonded O atom which has two pairs of electron dots. This structure is labeled below as “Acid.” Following a right pointing arrow is a structure in brackets that has a central S atom to which 4 O atoms are connected with single bonds above, below, to the left, and to the right. Each of the O atoms has three pairs of electron dots. Outside the brackets is a superscript 2 negative. This structure is labeled below as “New adduct.”" width="880" height="525" />
The last displacement reaction shows how the reaction of a Brønsted-Lowry acid with a base fits into the Lewis concept. A Brønsted-Lowry acid such as HCl is an acid-base adduct according to the Lewis concept, and proton transfer occurs because a more stable acid-base adduct is formed. Thus, although the definitions of acids and bases in the two theories are quite different, the theories overlap considerably.
Many slightly soluble ionic solids dissolve when the concentration of the metal ion in solution is decreased through the formation of complex (polyatomic) ions in a Lewis acid-base reaction. For example, silver chloride dissolves in a solution of ammonia because the silver ion reacts with ammonia to form the complex ion [latex]\text<\left(<\text
Outside the brackets is a superscripted plus." width="325" height="169" />
The equations for the dissolution of AgCl in a solution of NH3 are:
Aluminum hydroxide dissolves in a solution of sodium hydroxide or another strong base because of the formation of the complex ion [latex]\text<\left(\text
The equations for the dissolution are:
Mercury(II) sulfide dissolves in a solution of sodium sulfide because HgS reacts with the S 2– ion:
A complex ion consists of a central atom, typically a transition metal cation, surrounded by ions, or molecules called ligands. These ligands can be neutral molecules like H2O or NH3, or ions such as CN – or OH – . Often, the ligands act as Lewis bases, donating a pair of electrons to the central atom. The ligands aggregate themselves around the central atom, creating a new ion with a charge equal to the sum of the charges and, most often, a transitional metal ion. This more complex arrangement is why the resulting ion is called a complex ion. The complex ion formed in these reactions cannot be predicted; it must be determined experimentally. The types of bonds formed in complex ions are called coordinate covalent bonds, as electrons from the ligands are being shared with the central atom. Because of this, complex ions are sometimes referred to as coordination complexes. This will be studied further in upcoming chapters.
The equilibrium constant for the reaction of the components of a complex ion to form the complex ion in solution is called a formation constant (Kf) (sometimes called a stability constant). For example, the complex ion [latex]\text<\left(\text
It forms by the reaction:
The inverse of the formation constant is the dissociation constant (Kd), the equilibrium constant for the decomposition of a complex ion into its components in solution. We will work with dissociation constants further in the exercises for this section. Formation Constants for Complex Ions and Table 1 are tables of formation constants. In general, the larger the formation constant, the more stable the complex; however, as in the case of Ksp values, the stoichiometry of the compound must be considered.
Table 1. Common Complex Ions by Decreasing Formulation Constants | |
---|---|
Substance | Kf at 25 °C |
[latex]<\left[\text | 1.3 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 7 |
[latex]\text<\left(<\text | 1.7 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 7 |
[latex]<\left[<\text | 7 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 19 |
As an example of dissolution by complex ion formation, let us consider what happens when we add aqueous ammonia to a mixture of silver chloride and water. Silver chloride dissolves slightly in water, giving a small concentration of Ag + ([Ag + ] = 1.3 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –5 M):
However, if NH3 is present in the water, the complex ion, [latex]\text<\left(<\text
The large size of this formation constant indicates that most of the free silver ions produced by the dissolution of AgCl combine with NH3 to form [latex]\text<\left(<\text
More silver chloride then dissolves. If the concentration of ammonia is great enough, all of the silver chloride dissolves.
Calculate the concentration of the silver ion in a solution that initially is 0.10 M with respect to [latex]\text<\left(<\text
We use the familiar path to solve this problem:
Calculate the silver ion concentration, [Ag + ], of a solution prepared by dissolving 1.00 g of AgNO3 and 10.0 g of KCN in sufficient water to make 1.00 L of solution. (Hint: Because Q < Kf, assume the reaction goes to completion then calculate the [Ag + ] produced by dissociation of the complex.)
Show Answer [latex]3\times10^<-21>M[/latex]-21>G.N. Lewis proposed a definition for acids and bases that relies on an atom’s or molecule’s ability to accept or donate electron pairs. A Lewis acid is a species that can accept an electron pair, whereas a Lewis base has an electron pair available for donation to a Lewis acid. Complex ions are examples of Lewis acid-base adducts. In a complex ion, we have a central atom, often consisting of a transition metal cation, which acts as a Lewis acid, and several neutral molecules or ions surrounding them called ligands that act as Lewis bases. Complex ions form by sharing electron pairs to form coordinate covalent bonds. The equilibrium reaction that occurs when forming a complex ion has an equilibrium constant associated with it called a formation constant, Kf. This is often referred to as a stability constant, as it represents the stability of the complex ion. Formation of complex ions in solution can have a profound effect on the solubility of a transition metal compound.
1. When the amount of solid is so small that a saturated solution is not produced.
3. Cadmium ions associate with ammonia molecules in solution to form the complex ion [latex]<\left[\text
The formation of the complex ion requires 4 mol of NH3 for each mol of Cd 2+ . First, calculate the initial amounts of Cd 2+ and of NH3 available for association:
For the reaction, 4.00 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –3 mol/L of Cd 2+ would require 4(4.00 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –3 mol/L) of NH3 or a 1.6 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –2 –M solution. Due to the large value of Kf and the substantial excess of NH3, it can be assumed that the reaction goes to completion with only a small amount of the complex dissociating to form the ions. After reaction, concentrations of the species in the solution are
[NH3] = 6.00 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –2 mol/L – 1.6 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –2 mol L –1 = 4.4 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –2 M
Let x be the change in concentration of [Cd 2+ ]:
[Cd(NH3)4 2+ ] | [Cd 2+ ] | [NH3] | |
---|---|---|---|
Initial concentration (M) | 4.00 × 10 −3 | 0 | 4.4 × 10 −2 |
Equilibrium (M) | 4.00 × 10 −3 − x | x | 4.4 × 10 −2 + 4x |
As x is expected to be about the same size as the number from which it is subtracted, the entire expression must be expanded and solved, in this case, by successive approximations where substitution of values for x into the equation continues until the remainder is judged small enough. This is a slightly different method than used in most problems. We have:
4.0 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 6 x (4.4 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –2 + 4x) 4 = 4.00 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –3 – x
4.0 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 6 x (3.75 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –6 + 1.36 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –3 x + 0.186x 2 + 11.264x 3 +256x 4 ) = 4.00 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –3
16x + 5440x 2 + 7.44 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 5 x 3 + 4.51 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 7 x 4 + 1.024 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 9 x 5 = 4.00 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –3
Substitution of different values x will give a number to be compared with 4.00 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –3 . Using 2.50 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –4 for x gives 4.35 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –3 compared with 4.00 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –3 . Using 2.40 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –4 gives 4.16 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –3 compared with 4.00 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –3 . Using 2.30 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –4 gives 3.98 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –3 compared with 4.00 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –3 . Thus 2.30 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –4 is close enough to the true value of x to make the difference equal to zero. If the approximation to drop 4x is compared with 4.4 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –2 , the value of x obtained is 2.35 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –4 M.
5. For the formation reaction:
[Cd(CN)4 2− ] | [CN − ] | [Cd 2+ ] | |
---|---|---|---|
Initial concentration (M) | 0.250 | 0 | 0 |
Equilibrium (M) | 0.250 − x | 4x | x |
Assume that x is small when compared with 0.250 M.
256x 5 = 0.250 [latex]\times [/latex] 7.8 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –18
x 5 = 7.617 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –21
x = [Cd 2+ ] = 9.5 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –5 M
4x = [CN – ] = 3.8 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –4 M
[Co(NH3)6 3+ ] | [Co 3+ ] | [NH3] | |
---|---|---|---|
Initial concentration (M) | 0.500 | 0 | 0 |
Equilibrium (M) | 0.500 − x | x | 6x |
Assume that x is small when compared with 0.500 M.
4.67 [latex]\times [/latex] 104x 7 = 0.500 [latex]\times [/latex] 2.2 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –34
x 7 = 2.358 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –39
x = [Co 3+ ] = 3.0 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –6 M
11. Because Ksp is small and Kf is large, most of the Ag + is used to form [latex]\text<\left(\text
The CN – from the dissolution and the added CN – exist as CN – and [latex]\text<\left(\text
[CN – ] + 2 [latex]\left[\text<\left(\text
Because Ksp is small and Kf is large, most of the CN – is used to form [latex]\left[\text<\left(\text
2(2.0 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –1 ) – 2.0 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –1 = x
2.0 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –1 M [latex]\times [/latex] L = mol CN – added
The solution has a volume of 100 mL.
2 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –1 mol/L [latex]\times [/latex] 0.100 L = 2 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –2 mol
mass KCN = 2.0 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –2 mol KCN [latex]\times [/latex] 65.120 g/mol = 1.3 g
13. The reaction is governed by two equilibria, both of which must be satisfied:
The overall equilibrium is obtained by adding the two equations and multiplying their Ks:
If all Ag is to be dissolved, the concentration of the complex is the molar concentration of AgBr.
formula mass (AgBr) = 187.772 g/mol
Let x be the change in concentration of [latex]>_>_<>^:[/latex]
[Ag + ] | [S2O3 2− ] | |
---|---|---|
Initial concentration (M) | 0 | 0 |
Equilibrium (M) | [latex]\fracx[/latex] | x |
x 2 = 1.333 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –7
The formula mass of Na2S2O3•5H2O is 248.13 g/mol. The total [latex]\left[>_>_<>^\right][/latex] needed is:
2(1.438 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –3 ) + 3.65 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –4 = 3.241 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –3 mol
g(hypo) = 3.241 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –3 mol [latex]\times [/latex] 248.13 g/mol = 0.80 g
Outside the brackets is superscript negative sign. Following a right pointing arrow is a structure in brackets that has a central C atom to which 3 O atoms are bonded. Above and slightly to the right, one of the O atoms is connected with a double bond. This O atom has two unshared electron pairs. The second O atom is single bonded below and slightly to the right. This O atom has three unshared electron pairs. The third O atom is bonded to the left of the C atom. This O atom has two unshared electron pairs and an H atom single bonded to its left. Outside the brackets to the right is a superscript negative symbol." width="650" height="151" />
Outside the brackets to the right is a superscript negative symbol." width="879" height="183" />
Outside the brackets is a superscript negative sign." width="650" height="112" />
Outside the brackets is a superscript negative symbol." width="650" height="209" />
Outside the brackets is a superscript 2 negative." width="650" height="207" />
Outside the brackets to the right is a superscript plus sign. Following a right pointing arrow is a structure in brackets with a central P atom with H atoms single bonded at the left, above, below, and to the right. Outside the brackets is a superscript plus sign. This structure is followed by a plus and a C l atom in brackets with four unshared electron pairs and a superscript negative sign." width="879" height="274" />
Outside the brackets to the right is a superscript plus sign. Following a plus sign, is another structure in brackets composed of a central C atom with one unshared electron pair and three single bonded H atoms to the left, right, and above the atom. Outside the brackets to the right is a superscript negative sign. Following a right pointing arrow is a structure with a central C atom with H atoms single bonded above, below, left and right. Following a plus sign is a structure with a central O atom with two unshared electron pairs and two H atoms connected with single bonds." width="877" height="114" />
Outside the brackets to the right is a superscript two negative." width="879" height="155" />
Outside the brackets to the right is a superscript plus sign. Following a plus sign, is another structure in brackets composed of a C atom with three single bonded H atoms above, below, and to the left. A second C atom is single bonded to the right. This C atom has H atoms single bonded above and below. To the right of the second C atom, an O atom is single bonded. This O atom has three unshared electron pairs. Outside the brackets to the right is a subperscript negative. Following a right pointing arrow is a structure composed of a C atom with three single bonded H atoms above, below, and to the left. A second C atom is single bonded to the right. This C atom has H atoms single bonded above and below. To the right of the second C atom, an O atom is single bonded. This O atom has two unshared electron pairs and an H atom single bonded to its right." width="885" height="129" />
The number of moles of AgNO3 added is:
0.02872 L [latex]\times [/latex] 0.0100 mol/L = 2.87 [latex]\times [/latex] 10 –4 mol
This compound reacts with CN – to form [latex]\text<\left(\text
so only the first equilibrium is applicable. The value of Kf is very large.
mol NaCN = 2 mol [ [latex]\text<\left(\text
(b) First, form a symmetrical structure with the unique atom, B, as the central atom. Then include the 32e – to form the Lewis structure:
Because there are four bonds and no lone pair (unshared pair) on B, the electronic and molecular shapes are the same—both tetrahedral.
(c) The tetrahedral structure is consistent with sp 3 hybridization.
complex ion: ion consisting of a transition metal central atom and surrounding molecules or ions called ligands
dissociation constant: (Kd) equilibrium constant for the decomposition of a complex ion into its components in solution
formation constant: (Kf) (also, stability constant) equilibrium constant for the formation of a complex ion from its components in solution
Lewis acid: any species that can accept a pair of electrons and form a coordinate covalent bond
Lewis acid-base adduct: compound or ion that contains a coordinate covalent bond between a Lewis acid and a Lewis base
Lewis base: any species that can donate a pair of electrons and form a coordinate covalent bond
ligand: molecule or ion that surrounds a transition metal and forms a complex ion; ligands act as Lewis bases
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