When to use Bronsted vs Lewis

[cecilia1F]

Hello,
I know that in lecture we discussed that the two definitions of acids and bases are compatible with each other. I was wondering in what circumstances we should use the bronsted definition and when we should use the lewis definition?
Thanks!

[Rhea Desai 1A]

The Lewis definition is more broad so usually it is a good place to start. The Bronsted definition can be used only when the substances involved have a H atom. They still give you the same results, but the Lewis definition focuses on electrons which every molecule has.

[Hannah_Pon_1F]

The lewis definition is more broad so any Bronsted acid/base will also be a Lewis acid/base (not the same for the reverse).

[raynebunado]

The Lewis definition is more of a broad overview whereas Bronsted is more specific regarding the hydrogens.

[Noa Popko 3I]

It really depends on the situation! I think in general, the Lewis defintion is easier to use because it is more broad, while the Bronsted defintion deals with hydrogens and is thus more specific.

[Nicole Ton 3C]

If needed, I think that the questions will specify if they want us to use a specific definition. However, in general, Lewis definitions apply to more reactions since most reactions deal with electron transfer, while the Bronsted definition with proton transfer does not apply to every reaction.

[Jessica Servoss 1H]

The Bronsted definition of acids and bases is much more specific as it only deals with things that can donate or accept H+ ions. The Lewis definition is more general with an acid and base being anything that can accept or donate electrons.

[Emily Wan 1l]

The Lewis acid-base definition is more general than the Bronsted acid-base definition. The Lewis definition is typically used because it involves the transfer of electrons, while the Bronsted definition is focused only on the transfer of protons.

[Jessica Li 1G]

Lewis definition of an acid/base is used when addressing the transfer of electrons, while Bronsted is used in the transfer of protons.