Acid–base reaction models as theories that complement each other. For example the current Lewis model has the broadest definition of what an acid and base are, with the Bronsted-Lowry theory being a subset of what acids and bases are, and the Arrhenius theory being the most restrictive. The first scientific concept of acids and bases was provided by Lavoisier in around 1776. Since Lavoisier's knowledge of strong acids was mainly restricted to oxoacids, such as (nitric acid) and (sulfuric acid), which tend to contain central atoms in high oxidation states surrounded by oxygen, and since he was not aware of the true
Acid–base reaction these examples. For instance, carbon monoxide acts as a Lewis base when it forms an adduct with boron trifluoride, of formula FB←CO. Adducts involving metal ions are referred to as co-ordination compounds; each ligand donates a pair of electrons to the metal ion. The reaction can be seen as an acid–base reaction in which a stronger base (ammonia) replaces a weaker one (water) The Lewis and Brønsted–Lowry definitions are consistent with each other since the reaction is an acid–base reaction in both theories. One of the limitations of the Arrhenius definition is its reliance on water solutions. Edward Curtis Franklin