Amphoteric oxide

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An amphoteric oxide is an oxide that is amphoteric, that is, it can act either as an acid or a base. In a strongly acidic environment, these oxides will act as bases; whereas in a strongly basic environment, these oxides will act as acids.

Examples:

• Aluminum oxide
  • in acid: Al₂O₃ + 6HCl → 2AlCl₃ + 3H₂O
  • in base: Al₂O₃ + 2NaOH + 3H₂O → 2NaAl(OH)₄

[edit] See also

• acidic oxide
• basic oxide