Hard/Soft Acid-Base Theory

The video tutorial introduces the concept of hard and soft acids and bases, focusing on their relevance to transition metal complexes. It explains the polarizability of acids and bases, detailing the characteristics of hard and soft acids and bases, including charge density and bond nature. The tutorial also covers intermediate hardness and softness, providing examples and discussing metal-ligand interactions, emphasizing the stability of complexes based on hard-hard and soft-soft interactions.

What is the role of transition metal centers in the context of Lewis acid-base theory?

• They do not participate in Lewis acid-base reactions.

• They act as Lewis acids.

• They act as Lewis bases.

• They act as both Lewis acids and bases.

Which of the following is a characteristic of a soft acid?

• High electronegativity

• Large polarizability

• Small electron cloud

• High charge density

Which of the following is considered a hard base?

• Iodide ion

• Fluoride ion

• Phosphine

• Sulfide ion

What type of interaction is enhanced by hard-hard and soft-soft interactions?

• Covalent interactions

• Metal-ligand complex stability

• Ionic interactions

• Hydrogen bonding

Which metal ion is likely to form stable complexes with soft bases?

• Copper 2+

• Gold 3+

• Gold 1+

• Iron 3+

Why is Gold 3+ considered a harder acid compared to Gold 1+?

• It has a greater charge density.

• It has a larger atomic radius.

• It has a lower charge density.

• It is more polarizable.

Which of the following is an example of a soft base?

• Ammonia

• Water

• Fluoride ion

• Iodide ion