In acid-base reactions, what does the mnemonic 'B-L-A-D' refer to?

• A. Base-Low Acid Direct
• B. Bronsted-Lowry Acid donates; Base accepts
• C. Biological-Lipid Acid Dynamics
• D. Bonds-Loss Acid Decay

Answer: (B)

The mnemonic 'B-L-A-D' refers to the Bronsted-Lowry concept of acids and bases, specifically outlining the role of each in acid-base reactions. In this context, the Bronsted-Lowry Acid is defined as a substance that donates a proton (H+ ion), while the Bronsted-Lowry Base is characterized by its ability to accept a proton. This foundational understanding is crucial in interpreting how chemical species interact in various reactions.

For example, when hydrochloric acid (HCl), which is a Bronsted-Lowry acid, donates a proton, it transforms into its conjugate base, chloride (Cl-). Conversely, when ammonia (NH3) acts as a Bronsted-Lowry base, it accepts a proton to form ammonium (NH4+). This proton transfer process is central to the Bronsted-Lowry theory and illustrates the dynamic nature of acid-base chemistry.

In contrast, the other options utilize terminology that does not accurately represent the fundamental principles of the Bronsted-Lowry theory. Thus, the mnemonic effectively encapsulates the key concepts of acid-base behavior according to this theory.