Question

Explain why a substance identified as a Bronsted-Lowry base, will also be identified as a Lewis base.

Answer 1

Bronsted-Lowry base are the substances which accepts the proton.

Lewis base are the substances which donates the electrons.

Any species which donates electrons can easily accept the proton. Hence, the substance which is identified as Bronsted-Lowry base is also identified as Lewis base.

For example:

H⁺ + :NH₃$\rightarrow$ NH₄⁺

Here :NH₃ has donated its lone pair of electrons and also has accepted a proton to form ammonium ion.

Other example is CN^- + H⁺$\rightarrow$ HCN