Lewis Acid

Name:
Lewis Acid
Detailed information:
Any molecule or ion (called an electrophile) that can combine with another molecule or ion by forming a covalent bond with two electrons from the second molecule or ion. An acid is thus an electron acceptor. Hydrogen ion (proton) is the simplest substance that will do this, but many compounds such as boron trifluoride, BF₃, and aluminum chloride, AlCl₃, exhibit the same behavior and are therefore properly called acids. Such substances show acid effects on indicator colors and when dissolved in the proper solvents.