Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

lewis

Noun

/ˈluːɪs/

Definition

A reactive intermediate in organic chemistry consisting of a molecule that has the ability to donate a pair of electrons to form a covalent bond.

Examples

In the Lewis structure of water, each hydrogen atom forms a single bond with the oxygen atom.
Understanding the Lewis concept helps in predicting molecular geometry.
Many reactions in organic chemistry can be explained using the concept of Lewis acids and bases.

Meaning

In chemical terms, a Lewis structure is a diagram that shows the bonding between atoms of a molecule and the lone pairs of electrons that may exist in the molecule.