Bronsted-Lowry Theory of Acids & Bases

Water acts as a Bronstead-Lowry base when it recevies a proton.

The Bronsted-Lowry Theory of Acids and Bases was independently published by two men in 1923: Johannes Bronsted of Denmark and Thomas Lowry of England, according to New York University. The pair published the second of three acid-base theories: the Arrhenius Theory, the Bronsted-Lowry Theory and the Lewis Theory, according to Chem Guide.

Acids and Bases

A Bronsted-Lowry acid is considered to be any substance that can donate a proton (hydrogen ion) during a chemical reaction, according to New York University. The base is a substance that accepts free protons.

Conjugate Pairs

A Bronsted-Lowry acid or base on one end of a chemical reaction will produce a conjugate base or acid. The first substance and the resulting substance are considered conjugate pairs. For example, hydrochloric acid's conjugate base is a chloride ion.

Amphoteric Substances

If a substance can act as either an acid or a base depending on the chemical reaction, it is considered to be amphoteric. When mixed with water, a hydrogen carbonate ion will act as an acid and donate a proton to the water molecule or act as a base, creating carbonic acid.

References

• New York University: Bronsted Lowry Acids and Bases
• Chem Guide: Theories of Acids and Bases