Problem 56 - Chemistry: An Atoms-Focused Approach

Question

Are all Brensted-Lowry bases also Lewis bases? Explain why or why not.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Answer: Yes, all Brønsted-Lowry bases are also Lewis bases because they have a lone pair of electrons that can be used to accept a proton (H+) as well as donate an electron pair.

Step 1: Define Brønsted-Lowry bases

Brønsted-Lowry bases are substances that can accept a proton (H+) from another substance in an acid-base reaction. In other words, a Brønsted-Lowry base is a proton acceptor.

Step 2: Define Lewis bases

Lewis bases are substances that can donate an electron pair to another substance in an acid-base reaction. In other words, a Lewis base is an electron-pair donor.

Step 3: Compare Brønsted-Lowry bases and Lewis bases

Now that we have defined both Brønsted-Lowry and Lewis bases, we can compare the two concepts. For a substance to be a Brønsted-Lowry base, it must have the ability to accept a proton (H+). In contrast, for a substance to be a Lewis base, it must have the ability to donate an electron pair.

Step 4: Analyze the relationship between Brønsted-Lowry bases and Lewis bases

If a substance can accept a proton (H+), it means it has a lone pair of electrons available to interact with the proton. Thus, a Brønsted-Lowry base has the ability to donate an electron pair. Therefore, all Brønsted-Lowry bases can also be considered Lewis bases.

Step 5: Conclude the relationship between Brønsted-Lowry bases and Lewis bases

In conclusion, all Brønsted-Lowry bases are also Lewis bases because they have a lone pair of electrons that can be used to accept a proton (H+) as well as donate an electron pair.