Compounds of the s- and p-block elements

Abstract

This chapter focuses on acids and bases. The broadest definition of acids and bases is the Lewis definition. In this scheme, a Lewis acid is an electron-pair acceptor while a Lewis base is an electron-pair donor. Meanwhile, the Brønsted–Lowry concept is probably the second most commonly employed description of acids and bases, although in aqueous solution it is by far the most widely used. In this scheme, an acid is defined as a proton donor and a base as a proton acceptor. It is important to note that the concept of Lewis acidity and basicity incorporates the Brønsted–Lowry approach as a special case. The chapter then looks at element oxides and hydroxides, as well as the Lewis acidity of the heavier p-block elements. It also considers hard and soft acids and bases.