What are acids and bases and how are they defined?

  • Defined by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) as:
Acid
Base
A molecular entity or chemical species capable of donating a hydron (proton) or capable of forming a covalent bond with an electron pair
A molecular entity or chemical species capable of donating a hydron (proton) or capable of forming a covalent bond with an electron pair