In the reaction LiH + AlH3 LiAlH4, AlH3 and LiH acts as : — s Block Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: Identify the roles of the reactants in the coordination reaction LiH + AlH3 -> Li[AlH4]. Here, LiH dissociates into Li+ and H- (hydride ion). Step 2: The hydride ion (H-) acts as an electron-pair donor (Lewis base). Aluminum hydride (AlH3) has a vacant orbital on the aluminum atom and accepts the lone pair of electrons from H-. Step 3: Because AlH3 acts as an electron-pair acceptor, it functions as a Lewis acid. This corresponds to option (a).