Strengths and Weaknesses of Three Different Popular Acid Base Theories: A Comparation Study

Arrhenius, Bronsted-Lowry, and Lewis acid–bases theories are the most popular ones in Chemistry and studied by undergraduated students in Element Chemistry. A comparison study is needed to find each strength and weakness to stimulate analysis method and application developments. Reference searching method was conducted to obtain the informations. Result of study shows that Bronsted-Lowry and Lewis are focused on reaction by donor/acceptor process, independent of solvent and phase. Arrhenius is more concerned on dissolved product and applicable in water solvent only. Bronsted acid/base strength is determined as Ka/Kb mathematically and experimentally but Lewis acidity is a sequence based on Kf, KBA, and ΔH. All Bronsted acids contain Lewis acid and base, all Bronsted bases are Lewis ones, but not vice versa. Bronsted-Lowry reactions are the broken bonds, but Lewis ones can be with or without the breaking. Lewis and Bronsted-Lowry reactions support cementation, metal complexe and organometal synthesis, Arrhenius and Bronsted-Lowry support rock mineral activations, and those all three theories are suitable for metal ion adsorption by carboneous materials and metabolism reactions in erythrocyte. Based on the study, Lewis indicated the most superiority in both concept and application.