
Bronsted acids
A Brønsted acid is a substance that can donate a proton (a hydrogen ion, H⁺) to another substance during a chemical reaction. This process, known as acid-base transfer, changes the properties of molecules involved. For example, when vinegar (which contains acetic acid) reacts with water, it donates a proton to water, making it more acidic. Brønsted acids are fundamental in chemistry because they help explain how many reactions occur, especially in biological systems, industrial processes, and everyday substances like lemon juice or carbonated drinks.