Answer
$BeCl_2$ is a Lewis acid.
Work Step by Step
- The $Be$ has, naturally, 2 electrons in its valence shell, and it is making 2 covalent bonds with the $Cl$ atoms. 2 + 2: It has a total of 4 electrons in its valence shell.
- $Be$ is from the second row of the periodic table: it has a capacity of holding 8 electrons, which is not being used. 8 - 4 = 4, it is capable of receiving 4 more electrons. (2 lone pairs)
- Since $Be$ is capable of receiving lone pairs from other compounds, $BeCl_2$ is a Lewis acid.
