Lewis acids and bases are most closely associated with which chemical process?

• A. Precipitation
• B. Proton transfer
• C. Electron pair transfer
• D. Oxidation-reduction

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the definition of Lewis acids and bases: A Lewis acid is a species that can accept an electron pair, and a Lewis base is a species that can donate an electron pair.
2. Understand that Lewis acid-base theory focuses on the transfer of electron pairs between species, rather than protons or electrons alone.
3. Compare this with other acid-base theories, such as the Brønsted-Lowry theory, which involves proton transfer, and redox reactions, which involve electron transfer but not specifically electron pairs in acid-base context.
4. Recognize that precipitation involves the formation of a solid from ions in solution and is not directly related to Lewis acid-base interactions.
5. Conclude that Lewis acids and bases are most closely associated with electron pair transfer, as this is the fundamental chemical process defining their interaction.