(a) Explain why PF3 behaves as both a Lewis acid and a Lewis base while NF3 is a Lewis base only. Your answer should include HOMO/LUMO identification. 

(b) Of the following, PF3 is the strongest Lewis acid, explain: PF3, PCl3, PBr3 

(c) In contrast, BF3is the weakest Lewis acid of the series BF3, BCl3, BBr3. How does the energy of the LUMO change as the halide changes? Use this to explain the observed trend in Lewis acidity.

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

2 PF3 behaves as a Lewis acid because it has an cumply dorbital in P into which it can accept an el... View the full answer