Brønsted-Lowry Acids & Bases
- The Brønsted-Lowry theory defines acids and bases in terms of proton transfer
- A Brønsted-Lowry acid donates a proton (H+)
- A Brønsted-Lowry base receive a proton (H+)
- The Brønsted-Lowry theory is not limited to the aqueous state, therefore, the principle can be applied to reactions in the gas phase
Brønsted-Lowry acid reacting with a Brønsted-Lowry base
The Brønsted-Lowry acid donates a proton to the Brønsted-Lowry base that accepts a proton
Worked example
Identify the Brønsted-Lowry acid and the Brønsted-Lowry base in the following chemical reaction
H2SO4(aq) + H2O(l) → HSO4−(aq) + H3O+(aq)
|
|
Brønsted-Lowry acid |
Brønsted-Lowry base |
|
(A) |
H2SO4 |
H3O+ |
|
(B) |
H2SO4 |
H2O |
|
(C) |
H2O |
H3O+ |
|
(D) |
H2O |
H2SO4 |
Answer:
- The correct option is B
- H2SO4 donate a proton to H2O
- So, H2SO4 must be the Brønsted-Lowry acid and H2O the Brønsted-Lowry base
