Principles, Definitions, Terminology, and Orbital Analysis of Lewis Base-Lewis Acid Interactions Leading to Catalysis

Scoff E. Denmark, Gregory L. Beutner

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

This chapter traces the historical development of Lewis's concepts of acids and bases, to chronicle various refinements and presents a number of modern interpretations of donor-acceptor interactions. It provides a conceptual framework that allows a clear formulation of what exactly "Lewis base catalysis" constitutes. As the application of quantum mechanics became more and more important to understanding structure and reactivity of organic molecules, the need to adapt Lewis's definitions of acids and bases in terms of molecular orbital theory became apparent. The expression of the interaction in quantum-mechanical terminology allowed R.S. Mulliken to recognize a number of significant consequences that were inaccessible to Lewis and his successors because of the limitations of earlier structural theories. The chapter also explores the most successful analyses beginning with an expanded presentation of the Mulliken valence bond approach through primarily empirical to highly theoretical analyses.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationLewis Base Catalysis in Organic Synthesis
PublisherWiley-VCH
Pages33-54
Number of pages22
Volume1
ISBN (Electronic)9783527675142
ISBN (Print)9783527336180
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 17 2016

Keywords

  • Lewis acid-Lewis base interactions
  • Lewis base catalysis
  • Molecular orbital theory
  • Mulliken valence bond approach
  • Quantum mechanics
  • Quantum-mechanical terminology

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Principles, Definitions, Terminology, and Orbital Analysis of Lewis Base-Lewis Acid Interactions Leading to Catalysis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this