Lewis acid

noun

Lew·​is acid ˈlü-əs- How to pronounce Lewis acid (audio)
: a substance that is capable of accepting an unshared pair of electrons from a base to form a covalent bond

Examples of Lewis acid in a Sentence

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However, superacids—as their name suggests—are even stronger than the strongest Lewis acid, which is antimony pentafluoride (SbF5). Darren Orf, Popular Mechanics, 2 Mar. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Gilbert N. Lewis †1946 American chemist

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Lewis acid was in 1944

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Cite this Entry

“Lewis acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Lewis%20acid. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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