Question

What kind of molecule is ${\mathrm{AlCl}}_3$?

Answer 1

Lewis acids:

• The compounds having empty orbitals are capable of accepting electron pairs.
• These are called Lewis acids.

${\mathrm{AlCl}}_3$:

• In ${\mathrm{AlCl}}_3$, the Aluminum atom has three valence electrons that form bonds with three Chlorine atoms.
• The octet of Aluminum is still incomplete and it has empty orbitals that can accept electron pairs.
• Thus, it is a Lewis acid.