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Acid-Base Reactions: Brønsted-Lowry and Lewis Theories, Strength, and Equilibria

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Acid-Base Reactions

Brønsted-Lowry Theory of Acids and Bases

The Brønsted-Lowry theory defines acids as proton (H+) donors and bases as proton acceptors. This concept is fundamental in organic chemistry for understanding proton transfer reactions.

  • Brønsted acid: Proton donor

  • Brønsted base: Proton acceptor

  • Example:

  • Example:

Hydronium ion H3O+

Hydronium ion (H3O+) is the actual form of the proton in aqueous solution, formed when acids donate protons to water.

Proton Transfer and Reaction Mechanisms

Proton transfer reactions are illustrated using electron-pushing (curved arrow) notation to show the movement of electron pairs during bond breaking and formation.

Simplified dissociation of an acid and electron-pair movement

In water, acids transfer protons to water molecules, forming hydronium ions. In organic solvents, a generalized base abstracts the proton.

Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs

Definition and Identification

Every acid-base reaction involves two conjugate pairs. The acid forms its conjugate base after donating a proton, and the base forms its conjugate acid after accepting a proton.

  • Conjugate acid: The species formed when a base gains a proton.

  • Conjugate base: The species formed when an acid loses a proton.

  • Example: (base) (conjugate acid); (acid) $\rightarrow$ (conjugate base)

Acid and Base Strength

Strong vs. Weak Acids and Bases

The strength of an acid or base is determined by its degree of ionization in water. Strong acids and bases ionize completely, while weak acids and bases only partially ionize.

  • Strong acid: Ionizes completely in water (e.g., HNO3, HCl)

  • Weak acid: Partially ionizes (e.g., CH3COOH)

  • Strong base: Ionizes completely (e.g., NaOH)

  • Weak base: Partially ionizes (e.g., NH3)

Bar graphs showing strong and weak acid dissociation

In strong acids, nearly all HA dissociates to H+ and A-. In weak acids, most HA remains undissociated.

Acid Ionization Constant (Ka) and pKa

The acid ionization constant () quantifies the extent of acid dissociation in water. The pKa is the negative logarithm of $K_a$ and is commonly used to compare acid strengths.

  • Strong acids: , small or negative

  • Weak acids: , positive

Table of Ka and pKa values for common acids

This table compares and values for several monoprotic acids, illustrating the range of acid strengths.

Free Energy and Acid Strength

The favorability of acid dissociation is related to the change in free energy (). Strong acids have negative $\Delta G^\circ$, while weak acids have positive $\Delta G^\circ$.

Free energy diagrams for strong and weak acids

Strong acids dissociate with a negative free energy change, favoring products. Weak acids have a positive free energy change, favoring reactants.

pH, pKa, and the Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation

pH and pKa Relationship

pH measures the concentration of H+ ions in solution, while pKa reflects acid strength. Both are logarithmic scales, so small changes have large effects on equilibrium.

  • A difference of 1 pH unit = 10-fold change in [H+]

  • A difference of 2 pH units = 100-fold change

Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation

The Henderson-Hasselbalch equation relates pH, pKa, and the ratio of conjugate base to acid. It is essential for buffer calculations and predicting ionization states.

Henderson-Hasselbalch equation

When [A-] = [HA], pH = pKa. If pH > pKa, the conjugate base predominates; if pH < pKa, the acid predominates.

Henderson-Hasselbalch equation at pH = pKaHenderson-Hasselbalch equation at pKa < pHHenderson-Hasselbalch equation at pKa > pH

Predicting Acid-Base Equilibria

Direction of Acid-Base Reactions

The favored direction of an acid-base reaction is from the stronger acid (lower pKa) to the weaker acid (higher pKa). The equilibrium favors the side with the weaker acid and base.

  • Compare pKa values: Reaction proceeds from lower to higher pKa

  • If pKa values are unavailable, compare conjugate base stability using five criteria

Factors Affecting Acid Strength

1. Atom Size

As the size of the atom bearing the negative charge increases (down a group), the conjugate base becomes more stable, and the acid becomes stronger.

  • Example: (pKa = 3.2) < (pKa = -7) < (pKa = -9) < (pKa = -10)

Increasing size and acidity in halogen acids

2. Electronegativity

As electronegativity increases (across a period), the conjugate base is better able to stabilize the negative charge, increasing acid strength.

Resonance stabilization of conjugate base

3. Resonance

Resonance delocalizes the negative charge in the conjugate base, stabilizing it and increasing acid strength.

Resonance effects in conjugate bases

4. Inductive Effects

Electronegative atoms near the acidic proton withdraw electron density, stabilizing the conjugate base. The effect decreases with distance and increases with the number of electronegative atoms.

Inductive effects on conjugate base stability

5. Hybridization

Greater s-character in the atom bearing the negative charge increases acidity. For carbon acids: sp > sp2 > sp3.

  • sp (50% s): pKa ≈ 25

  • sp2 (33% s): pKa ≈ 44

  • sp3 (25% s): pKa ≈ 50

Hybridization and carbanion stability

Lewis Acid-Base Theory

Definitions

The Lewis theory broadens the definition of acids and bases:

  • Lewis acid: Electron pair acceptor (electrophile)

  • Lewis base: Electron pair donor (nucleophile)

Lewis acid-base reaction mechanism

Many organic reactions are best understood using the Lewis concept, especially those involving electron pair movement rather than proton transfer.

Summary Table: Factors Affecting Acid Strength

Factor

Effect on Acid Strength

Example

Atom Size

Increases down a group

HI > HBr > HCl > HF

Electronegativity

Increases across a period

CH4 < NH3 < H2O < HF

Resonance

Delocalizes charge, stabilizes base

Acetic acid vs. ethanol

Inductive Effect

Stabilizes base via electron withdrawal

CF3COOH > CH3COOH

Hybridization

More s-character, stronger acid

HC≡CH > H2C=CH2 > CH3CH3

Learning Outcomes

  • Identify acids, bases, conjugate acids, and conjugate bases in reactions

  • Compare acid and base strength using pKa values and qualitative criteria

  • Predict the direction of acid-base equilibria

  • Determine the ionization state of a compound at a given pH using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation

  • Apply Brønsted-Lowry and Lewis definitions to classify reagents and mechanisms

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