In which of the following cases is water acting as a base under the Lewis definitions, but not under the Br∅nsted-Lowry definitions? A) H₂O(l) + HF(g) ⇌ H₃O⁺(aq) + F(aq) B) H₂O(l)+ CN-(aq) ⇌ OH^-(aq) + HCN(aq) C) H₂O(l) + Cu²⁺(aq) ⇌ Cu(H₂O)²⁺(aq) D) H₂O(l) + PO₄^3-(aq) ⇌ 2OH-(aq) + H₂PO₄^-(aq) E) H₂O(l) [electrolysis] ⇌ 2H₂(g) + O₂(g)

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In option C, water acts as a Lewis base by donating a pair of electrons to form a complex with Cu²⁺, but it does not act as a Brønsted-Lowry base because it is not accepting a proton.

In Which of the Following Cases Is Water Acting as a Base