Which of the following compound CANNOT act as a Lewis base?

Question

Canvas Classes · Accepted Answer

Lewis base = electron pair donor (must have a lone pair available for donation).

Step 1 — Analyse each compound:

(1) : N has a lone pair  can donate  Lewis base ✓ (though weakly, due to F withdrawing electrons)

(2) : P has 5 bonds, no lone pairs, and an empty d-orbital  acts as Lewis acid (electron acceptor), NOT a Lewis base ✗

(3) : S has one lone pair  can donate  Lewis base ✓

(4) : Cl has two lone pairs  can donate  Lewis base ✓

Answer: Option (2) —

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