Question

How to identify electron deficient species

Answer 1

Electron-deficient species are identified by drawing their Lewis structure and observing if the central atom has fewer than eight valence electrons, indicating an incomplete octet.

Answer 2

Electron-deficient species are characterized by a central atom with fewer than eight valence electrons. This can be determined by constructing the Lewis structure. Examples include molecules with incomplete octets on the central atom (e.g., $BF_3$, $AlCl_3$) and carbocations (e.g., $CH_3^+$).