Which of following molecule can show Lewis acidity.
(I) CO₂
(II) Br₂
(III) SnCl₂
(IV) HF
(V) NMe₃

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I, II, III

III, IV

I, III, IV

II, III, V

answer is B.

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Detailed Solution

Lewis acid is that acid that can accept lone pairs of electrons. Molecules that are electron-deficient or have vacant orbitals, act as Lewis acids.

In carbon dioxide, C is bonded with two oxygen atoms. Due to the electronegative character of O, carbon has a partial positive character and can attract a lone pair of electrons, Therefore, CO₂ acts as a Lewis acid.
In Br₂, one Br has a partial positive charge and one Br has a partial negative charge. This positive charge can accept a lone pair of electrons. Therefore, Br₂ acts as a Lewis acid.
In SnCl₂, Sn is bonded with two Cl atoms. Due to the electronegative character of Cl, Sn has a partial positive character and can attract a lone pair of electrons, Therefore, SnCl₂ acts as a Lewis acid.

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