Question

Determine whether the following reaction is a Lewis acid/base reaction and if so, what is the Lewis acid: Fe3+(aq) + 6 CN−(aq) → Fe(CN)63−(aq) Group of answer choices This is not a Lewis acid/base reaction It is a Lewis acid/base reaction, and Fe3+ is the Lewis acid It is a Lewis acid/base reaction, and CN- is the Lewis acid

Answer 1

Answer: It is a Lewis acid/base reaction, and $Fe^{3+}$ is the Lewis acid.

Explanation:

According to the Lewis concept, an acid is defined as a substance that accepts electron pairs and base is defined as a substance which donates electron pairs.

$Fe^{3+}$ can readily accept electrons and thus act as a lewis acid which is short of electrons.

$CN^-$ can readily lose electrons and thus act as a lewis base which has excess of electrons.

It is a Lewis acid/base reaction, and $Fe^{3+}$ is the Lewis acid.