In 1923, the Brønsted–Lowry definition of acids and bases was proposed by Johannes Brønsted and Thomas Lowry. According to this theory, a Brønsted acid is defined as a species that donates a proton in a chemical reaction and gets converted to its conjugate base. A Brønsted base is defined as a species that accepts a proton in a chemical reaction and gets converted into its conjugate acid. These transfers of protons are caused by the displacement of electrons in these reactions, which is...

α-Alkylation of ketones is achieved in the presence of alkyl halides and a base. The reaction proceeds via the formation of an enolate ion followed by nucleophilic substitution. The choice of base employed is essential as it is the key factor in determining the reaction outcome.
The reaction involving bases like EtO− whose conjugate acid EtOH (pKa = 15.9) is stronger than the ketone (pKa = 19.2) results in an equilibrium mixture with higher ketone concentration. As a consequence,...

Some compounds produce hydroxide ions when dissolved by chemically reacting with water molecules. In all cases, these compounds react only partially and so are classified as weak bases. These types of compounds are also abundant in nature and important commodities in various technologies. For example, global production of the weak base ammonia is typically well over 100 metric tons annually, being widely used as an agricultural fertilizer, a raw material for chemical synthesis of other...

Most acid-base titrations are performed in an aqueous medium. In aqueous titrations, water competes with weaker acids or bases for proton donation or acceptance, leading to ambiguous endpoints in the titration curve. Water also affects the partial ionization of weak acids or bases. For example, water accepts a proton from acetic acid to form hydronium and acetate ions. The hydronium ion formed is a stronger acid than acetic acid, and the acetate ion is a stronger base than water. As a result,...

The acid-base reaction class has been studied for quite some time. In 1680, Robert Boyle reported traits of acid solutions that included their ability to dissolve many substances, to change the colors of certain natural dyes, and to lose these traits after coming in contact with alkali (base) solutions. In the eighteenth century, it was recognized that acids have a sour taste, react with limestone to liberate a gaseous substance (now known to be CO2), and interact with alkalis to form neutral...

Nucleic acids are the most important macromolecules for the continuity of life. They carry the cell's genetic blueprint and have instructions for its functioning. The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA).
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
DNA is the genetic material in all living organisms, ranging from single-celled bacteria to multicellular mammals. It is in the nucleus of eukaryotes and the organelles such as chloroplasts and mitochondria....