Bröensted-Lowry Theory

The Acidic Environment‎ > ‎4. Acid/Base Definitions‎ >

Outline the Brönsted-Lowry theory of acids and bases

  • In 1923, Thomas Martin Lowry (English) and Johannes Nicolaus Brönsted (Danish) independently proposed new definitions for acids and bases:
    • Acids: Proton donors.
    • Bases: Proton acceptors.
  • If a substance has a greater tendency to donate protons than a particular solvent, then in that solvent it will be an acid.
  • If a substance has a greater tendency to accept protons than a particular solvent, then in that solvent it will be a base.
  • These definitions overcame difficulties and are the most widely accepted definitions today.
Thomas Martin Lowry