Q16 / 220 · NTA Abhyas (NEET) 2020 · Chemistry · Ionic Equilibrium

Among the following, which is the strongest Lewis acid?

  • A
    BF3
  • B
    BCl3
  • C
    BBr3
  • Correct answer
    D
    BI3

Solution

The strengths of boron halides as Lewis acids are in the order BI 3 > BBr 3 > BCl 3 > BF 3 . This order is the opposite of what is expected on steric grounds as well as from considerations of electronegatively. It can be explained in terms of boron-halogen-bonding.
Here, acidic nature ∝1extent of backbonding

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'D'.

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