2.

4 Chapter 2

Bronsted-Lowry Theory of Acids and Bases

In 1923, J. N. Bronsted and J. M. Lowry independently proposed a broader concept of acids and bases
overcome some of the drawbacks of Arrhenius theory. in order
Postulates
1. The acid is a substance that donates protons to any other substance(s).
Example:
HCl acts as a proton donor and hence, is called an acid.
HCI ’ Ht + CI
2. The base is a substance that accepts protons from any other proton donors.
Example:
NH, acts as a base as it is a proton acceptor.
NH, + H ’ NH,
3. An acid on losing aproton produces aspecies that has proton-accepring tendency that means the tendency of abu.
The base so formed is called conjugate base of the acid.
Example:
HCI ’ Ht + CI
Acid Conjugate base

h. The base on acceping aproton produces aspecies that has proton-donating tendency that means the tendency e
an acid. The acid so formed is called conjugate acid of the base.
Example:
NH, + H ’ NH,
Base Conjugate acid
5. Neutralization is defined as the transfer of a proton from the acid to the base to form a
Infe
conjugate acid-base pair.
Bytes!
Example: As this theory
HCI+ NH, ’ NH,+ CI
Acid Base Conjugate Conjugate mainly focuses on
acid base proton transfer.
this is also known
Merits of Brønsted-Lowry Theory as protonic
1. The acidic and basic nature of substances in gas phase could be convincingly explained by concept of acids
and bases.
this theory, which could overcome the major limitations of Arrhenius theor.
2. Itinvolves abroader coverage of acids and bases in comparison to Arrhenius theory. This is
because it is not confined to aqueous solutions alone.
3. The basic nature of substances that do not contain OH ions could also be explained on the
basis of protonic concept.
Limitations of Brønsted-Lowry Theory
1. The acidic nature of substances that do not contain hydrogen cannot be
explained.
Examples: COz, SO, etc.
2. This theory mainly involves proton transfer. Proton donation or acceptance being a relative
tendency of substances
cannot give the absolute acidity or basicity of substances.
In order to explain the nature of acids and bases in cases where there is no
role for protons, a more advanced theory
proposed that introduced the electronic concept of acids and bases.