Which of the following acid-base reactions cannot be explained by the Bronsted theory ?

Options

A. `CO_(2)+CaO rarr CaCO_(3)`
B. `BF_(3)+NH_(3)rarr barB F_(3)overset(+)(N)H_(3)`
C. `Ni+4CO rarr Ni(CO)_(4)`
D. All of these

Answer

D

Explanation

The Bronsted theory faces the limitation in explaining the neutralization of acidic `(e.g., CO_(2))` by basic oxides `(e.g., CaO)` and vice versa. It cannot explain the acidic character of `BF_(3)` which reacts with a base `NH_(3)`. According to the Bronsted theory, an acid must be a proton donor.