Lewis acid catalysis

Lewis acid catalysis involves a substance called a Lewis acid that helps speed up a chemical reaction. The Lewis acid works by accepting a pair of electrons from another molecule, called a Lewis base. This interaction makes it easier for the molecules to combine or transform into new substances. The Lewis acid itself isn't changed in the process and can often be reused. This mechanism is common in many important reactions, such as making plastics, pharmaceuticals, and other chemicals, by lowering the energy barrier and allowing reactions to occur more efficiently.