Lewis Superacids

March 7, 2023

Scientists at Paderborn University, Germany have been able to make a unique class of catalysts called Lewis super-acids.
Named after chemist, G N Lewis, Lewis super-acids derive from Lewis acids.
A Lewis acid is any substance, such as a Hydrogen ion (H+) that can accept a pair of nonbonding electrons. In other words, it is an electron-pair acceptor.
They are often used to speed up chemical reactions.
Lewis superacids are stronger than antimony pentafluoride– strongest Lewis acid — and can break even toughest bonds.
A Lewis base is any substance, such as OH- ion, that can donate a pair of nonbonding electrons. Therefore, it is an electron-pair donor.