Which of the following reaction(s) do/does not give an oxo-acid ? β p Block Elements Chemistry Question
Question
Which of the following reaction(s) do/does not give an oxo-acid ?
π‘ Solution & Explanation
Step 1: Check the acid-base reactions: CO2 (acid) reacts with H2O (base) to form carbonic acid; AlCl3 (acid) accepts a chloride ion (base) to form [AlCl4]-; B(OH)3 acts as a Lewis acid by accepting OH- from water. Step 2: In the case of SF6 and BF3, Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is exceptionally stable, chemically inert, and sterically shielded by six fluorine atoms, preventing any nucleophilic attack or electron donation. BF3 is a strong Lewis acid but cannot react with the inert SF6. Step 3: Therefore, no Lewis acid-base reaction occurs between SF6 and BF3, making option (c) the correct choice.