Why is "C"l^-Cl− a Lewis base?

2 Answers
Monzur R.
May 22, 2018

"C"l^-Cl− is a Lewis base because it donates a nonbonding electron pair.

Explanation:

An example of this is "Co"("NH"_3)_4("C"l)_2^(2+)Co(NH3)4(Cl)2+2. It is a complex ion were chlorine has donated electron pairs to cobalt.

anor277
May 22, 2018

Because it is FORMALLY an electron-pair donor.

Explanation:

And of course it is a fairly poor Lewis-base. Its conjugate acid HClHCl is a strong ”Bronsted acid”. Fluoride anion is a stronger Lewis-base. Why should this be so?

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