little boy Posted September 14, 2011 Share Posted September 14, 2011 Is NH3 a Arrhenius base? I don't know whether a Arrhenius base requires a OH- in the molecule. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypervalent_iodine Posted September 14, 2011 Share Posted September 14, 2011 Kind of but not really, it depends how you look at the reaction. Read this link, it gives a good explanation of the limitations using your example. Truth be told, the Arrhenius definition is inherently limited in its application. Generally we consider amines as acting as either a Lewis base, since amines can donate a lone pair of electrons, or as a Bronsted-Lowry base (which is more or less the same as the Arrhenius definition, but not as limited), as they can accept H+. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
little boy Posted September 14, 2011 Author Share Posted September 14, 2011 Kind of but not really, it depends how you look at the reaction. Read this link, it gives a good explanation of the limitations using your example. Truth be told, the Arrhenius definition is inherently limited in its application. Generally we consider amines as acting as either a Lewis base, since amines can donate a lone pair of electrons, or as a Bronsted-Lowry base (which is more or less the same as the Arrhenius definition, but not as limited), as they can accept H+. The page states : "Nevertheless, there are hydroxide ions there, and we can squeeze this into the Arrhenius theory." so I think it is Arrhenius base Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mississippichem Posted September 14, 2011 Share Posted September 14, 2011 I wouldn't worry too much. The Bronstead and Lewis definitions are much more broad and useful anyway. The Arrenhius definition is by far the most narrow of the commonly used acid/base theories. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now