What is the function of a Lewis base?

A Lewis base is defined as a species that donates an electron pair to form a covalent bond. This concept is fundamental in acid-base chemistry, where the Lewis model expands the traditional definitions of acids and bases. In this framework, a Lewis acid is an electron pair acceptor, while a Lewis base is an electron pair donor.

In essence, the behavior of a Lewis base is crucial in various chemical reactions, particularly in organic chemistry and coordination chemistry, where the donation of electrons can lead to the formation of new bonds or complexes.

By recognizing that a Lewis base provides electron pairs, you can understand its role in facilitating reactions, particularly in contexts such as nucleophilic attacks in organic reactions or the formation of coordination complexes with metals. This understanding is essential for predicting the outcome of chemical interactions and designing experiments in synthetic chemistry.