Question:
Explain the nature of boric acid as a Lewis acid in water.
Solution:
Boric acid is a weak monobasic acid and acts as a Lewis acid by accepting electrons from a hydroxyl ion.
B(OH)3 + 2H2O → [B(OH)4]– + H3O+
OH- is accepted by the Boric acid and the formation of hydroxyl ion takes place.
Thus, Boric acid act as a Lewis acid in water.