Bronsted vs Lewis

[405745446]

Hi,
What is the difference between the Bronsted acid definition vs Lewis Acid? Also the difference between Bronsted base and Lewis base?

[Natalie Swerdlow 3K]

I think the main difference between a Bronsted acid and Lewis acid is that the Bronsted definition is based on the transfer of protons while the Lewis definition is based on the transfer of electrons. For example, a Bronsted acid is a proton donor but a Lewis acid is an electron acceptor.

[Jessica Phung 1E]

Yes^^, and because the Bronstead definition has to do with protons only, not all Lewis acids are Bronstead acids.

[Morgan Micallef 1A]

Thank you for the explanations, can a base be both a lewis base and a bronsted base?

[kiara chan]

^^ yep because a bronsted base is proton acceptor while a lewis base is an electron donor so if you think about it, a lewis base is trying to get rid of the negative charge while the bronsted base is trying to accepted the positive charge

[Ruben Adamov 1E]

Bronsted Acid: donates protons
Lewis Acid: accepts e-
Bronsted Base: accepts protons
Lewis Base: donates e-
Hope this helps!!

[Aaron Martinez]

Lewis acids and bases give or take electron pairs, while Bronstead acids and bases give or take protons. Lewis acids will accept electrons, and bases will give electrons. In Bronstead acid and bases, the roles are flipped, so acids give protons, and bases take protons.

[Matthew Nguyen 3G]

Bronsted acids and bases pertain to the giving or taking in protons while Lewis acids and bases will accept or give electrons.