Reaction , acids and bases

Any reaction in which a proton is transferred from one substance to another is an acid-base reaction. More specifically, the proton-transfer view is known as the Bronsted-Lowiy definition of acids and bases. In an acid-base reaction, an acid donates a proton, and a base accepts that proton. Any species that can give up a proton to another substance is an acid, and any substance that can accept a proton from another substance is a base. The production of two water molecules from a hydroxide anion (a base) and a hydronium ion (an acid) is just one example of an acid-base reaction acids and bases are abundant in chemistry. 

The interest in proton transfer to and from carbon arises partly because this process occurs as an elementary step in the mechanisms of a number of important reactions. Acid and base catalysed reactions often occur through intermediate carbonium ions or carbanions which are produced by reactions (1) and (2). A knowledge of the acid—base properties of carbonium ions or carbanions may also help in understanding reactions in which these species are present as reactive intermediates, even when they are generated by processes other than proton transfer. Kinetic studies of simple reactions such as proton transfer are also important in the development of theories of kinetics. Since both rates and equilibrium constants can often be measured for (1) and (2) these reactions have been useful in the investigation of correlations between rate coefficients and equilibrium constants (linear free energy relations). 

Chapter 9 Charge-Transfer Reactions Acids and Bases and Oxidation-Reduction... 

The Brensted-Lowry acid-base definition does not require that bases contain OH or that acid-base reactions occur in aqueous solution. It defines an acid as a species that donates a proton and a base as one that accepts It. An acid and a base act together in proton transfer. When an acid donates a proton, it becomes the conjugate base when a base accepts a proton, it becomes the conjugate acid. In an acid-base reaction, acids and bases form their conjugates. A stronger acid has a weaker conjugate base, and vice versa. Thus, the reaction proceeds in the net direction in which a stronger acid and base form a weaker base and acid. 

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