ABSTRACT
Reactions are driven by the movement of electrons. One framework to understand the movement of electrons in a reaction is through acid–base theory. The terms acid and base are defined according to Brønsted–Lowry and Lewis acid–base theories. In Brønsted–Lowry acid–base theory, an acid is a proton donor and a base is a proton acceptor. In this chapter, Brønsted-Lowry acid–base theory is investigated for its potential to identify acidic protons, explain acidity trends, and explain reaction equilibria. Lewis acid–base theory is introduced as an important concept for understanding organic reactions more broadly.
