Chapter 16, Problem 16.46CP

Boric acid ${\text{(H}}_{\text{3}}{\text{BO}}_{\text{3}}\text{)}$ is a weak monoprotic acid that yields ${\text{H}}_{\text{3}}{\text{O}}^{\text{+}}$ ions in water ${\text{H}}_{\text{3}}{\text{BO}}_{\text{3}}$ might behave either as a Bronsted— Lowry acid or as a Lewis acid, though it is, in fact, a Lewis acid.

(a) Write a balanced equation for the reaction with water in which ${\text{H}}_{\text{3}}{\text{BO}}_{\text{3}}$ behaves as a Bronsted—Lowry acid.

(b) Write a balanced equation for the reaction with water in which ${\text{H}}_{\text{3}}{\text{BO}}_{\text{3}}$ behaves as a Lewis acid. Hint: One of the reaction products contains a tetrahedral boron atom.