Aamc 9 #40

[typicalindian]

In the reaction shown in equation 1, Al(OH)3 acts as what kind of acid or base?

A. Lewis Acid
B. Lewis Base
C. Bronsted Acid
D. Bronsted Base

Answer: A

I picked A because just from prior knowledge I know that for these types of compounds the metal almost always acts as a lewis acid. If I didn't know this from prior knowledge, how exactly do I know that what is accepting/donating electrons/protons?

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[pfaction]

So we notice that the atom became negative since Na is on the side. Also,

Na ---- OH <- electron pairs. AL accepts electron pairs, so it's a LA.

 

[typicalindian]

So we notice that the atom became negative since Na is on the side. Also,

Na ---- OH <- electron pairs. AL accepts electron pairs, so it's a LA.

hm it's that simple? thanks

now go answer my other AAMC 9 questions