Question

Why is NH3 a lewis base and BCl3 a lewis acid?

Answer 1

By definition a Lewis acid is an electron-pair acceptor, and a Lewis-base is an electron pair donor. The classifications of ammonia and boron trichloride are clear.

Explanation:

Ammonia has a formal lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom. This can donate to Lewis acids (including boron trichloride) in a Lewis base/Lewis acid interaction.

On the other hand, the boron atom in boron trichloride has a formal, vacant `p` orbital that can accept electron density and quaternize the boron.