Chapter 2: 2.1 Acid/Base Equilibrium Fundamentals Flashcards
Why doe we use acids in organic chemistry?
Bronsted-Lowry acids are sources of protons
* Are key catalysts in a number of organic transformations
* Less reactive functional groups are converted to more reactive/electrophilic functionalities by addition of strong acid
Why do we use bases in organic chemistry?
Bronsted-Lowry bases are proton acceptors
* Used to deprotonate compounds
* Results in more nucleophilic anions and can form new bonds
* Key step in many carbon-carbon bond forming reactions
What is a defining characteristic of Bronsted-Lowry Acids and Bases?
They exchange protons (H+)
Define:
Bronsted-Lowry Acid
A proton donor
Define:
Bronsted-Lowry Base
A proton acceptor
When a Bronsted-Lowry acid and base react together, what happens?
- The acid will form a conjugate base
- The base will form a conjugate acid
What is a characteristic of Arrhenius acids and bases?
They do chemistry in aqueous (water) solution
Define:
Arrhenius Acid
A proton donor
Define:
Arrhenius Base
A hydroxide donor
True or False:
The definitions for Arrhenius Acids and Bases are out of date and not used anymore
True
What is a characteristic of Lewis Acids and Bases?
They are electron donors and acceptors; it is for this reason that this definition is less common in organic chemistry
Define:
Lewis Acid
An electron pair acceptor
Define:
Lewis Base
An electron pair donor
What is used to quantify the strength of an acid?
Ka and pKa values
What is the general K expression?
K = [Products] / [Reactants]
