Luder W.F., Zuffanti S. The Electronic Theory of Acids and Bases

Second Printing. - New York: John Wiley & Sons. - 1947. – 172 p. This book attempts a systematic presentation of the relationship of the electronic theory of acids and bases to chemistry as a whole. Much of the material has been published by us previously, in a series of ten papers in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, the Journal of Chemical Education, and Chemical Reviews. These papers have aroused so much interest that we have been encouraged to reorganize and combine them with some new material to make this book. We have tried to present the electronic theory of acids and bases and its ramifications in an elementary manner. The theory is of interest to all types of chemists, and the book has been written with that in mind. Three chapters (10, 11, and 12) contain details on catalysis which are of most interest to organic chemists, but if necessary they can be skipped without losing continuity; Chapter 9 gives the essence of their contents. One test of any new theory is: Does it offer a usable explanation which succeeds in correlating a larger number of experimental facts? We believe that according to this test the Lewis theory of acids and bases is successful. It does correlate a much larger body of experimental facts. On the other hand, a new theory in order to be convincing must not depart too far from previously accepted ideas. The wide interest in the Lewis theory indicates that it does not. At the present time, then, the electronic theory of acids and bases seems to be the most satisfactory available. This is not to say that it is a final explanation. Like any other scientific theory, it is not to be believed in, but merely to be used until a more inclusive theory appears.Historical Background
Atomic Orbitals and Valence
The Electronic Theory of Acids and Bases
Electrophilic and Electrodotic Reagents
Acidic and Basic Radicals
Neutralization
Titrations with Indicators
Displacement
Catalysis
Acid Catalysis
Base Catalysis
Alkoxides as Catalysts