Question

What is an acid and what is a base? An acid-base reaction is sometimes called a proton-transferreaction. Explain.

Short answer

Acid-base reactions are also referred to asproton-transfer reactions.

Step-by-step solution

Acid-base reactions

The behavior of a chemical in solution can sometimes be used to classify it as an acid or a base. Acid-base reactions are a significant part of the various chemical processes.

Proton-transfer reaction 

Acids are the substances that release ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$ions when dissolved in water. The chemicals that produce${\mathrm{OH}}^{-}$ when dissolved in water are known as bases.

Acids and bases can be described in terms of protons$\left({\mathrm{H}}^{+}\right)$ in a broader sense. Acids are the chemicals that give protons, whereas bases are the substances that take protons.

An acid-base reaction is a type of chemical reaction in which an acid reacts with a base. The acid creates protons in this reaction, and the base receives the protons created by the acid. The transfer of protons from the acid to the base is the basic step in an acid-base reaction.

Thus, the acid-base reactions are sometimes called proton-transfer reactions.