Coordinate Covalent Bonds and Lewis Acids

[305920501]

Since coordinate covalent bonds occur when one atom donates both electrons in a pair to bond, are all Lewis Acids and Bases participating in coordinate covalent bonding? Do Lewis Acids and Bases only refer to electron pair donors and acceptors, or can atoms that only donate/accept one single electron count, as well?

[Averie Moore 2F]

Yes, all Lewis acids and bases will form coordinate covalent bonds. The definition of a coordinate covalent bond specifies that the electron donator is supplying both electrons.

[Mariyam Oladele 1E]

Hi,

Lewis acids and bases are molecules that either donate or accept electron pairs in chemical reactions, including coordinate covalent bonds where one atom provides both electrons. The extends to interactions involving both electron pairs and single electrons, depending on whether a species acts as a donor or acceptor of electrons. This is a broad concept and extends beyond coordinate covalent bonding.

[Isabelle Huerta 2I]

Lewis acids and bases are generally defined as electron pair acceptors and donors, respectively. However, some situations involve single electron transfers, especially in radical reactions or in certain chemical environments where species might accept or donate single electrons to form bonds or stabilize intermediates.

While the primary focus of Lewis acid-base theory revolves around the concept of electron pair donations and acceptances, there are instances where single electron transfer can be involved, expanding the scope of Lewis acid-base interactions beyond just coordinate covalent bonds.