Brønsted acids and bases
In the Brønsted description, an acid donates a proton and a base accepts it.
Key knowledge
A Brønsted acid is a proton donor and a Brønsted base is a proton acceptor. After donating a proton, an acid becomes its conjugate base; after accepting one, a base becomes its conjugate acid.
Conditions and scope
- This is the Brønsted proton-transfer description, not the broader Lewis acid/base description.
- Acid or base behaviour depends on the reaction partner and medium; water can take either role.
Sources · 2
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
Evidence and review
Published proton-transfer and conjugate-pair definitions, including water/ammonia examples.
2026-10-10 · English donor/acceptor roles and conjugate pairing checked against section 14.1; no pH or strength value is claimed.
Foundational review
2026-10-10 · Fresh primary-source inspection of the complete compact record, including every statement, equation, quantity and material condition, followed by independent AI editorial review. This check does not certify all linked lessons or every passage of every cited publication.
Sources from other places
Agreement within this scope
Proton donation/acceptance and conjugate pairs.
Acid and base roles depend on the reaction partner.
Siyavula
- Physical Sciences 12: Acids and bases South AfricaEnglish
§9.1 Brønsted–Lowry acids and bases; conjugate pairs
- Physical Sciences 12: Acids and bases
Entry details
Permanent link to this entry ↗- Record identity
- chem-acids-bases
- Revision
- core.1
- Structured reference record
- Essential core · first collection