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:

  • Aluminium oxide
    • in acid: Al2O3 + 6HCl → 2AlCl3 + 3H2O
    • in base: Al2O3 + 2NaOH + 3H2O → 2NaAl(OH)4
  • Lead Oxide
    • in acid: PbO + 2HCl → PbCl2 + H2O
    • in base: PbO + Ca(OH)2 + H2O → Ca2+[Pb(OH)4]2-
  • Zinc Oxide
    • in acid: ZnO + 2HCl → ZnCl2 + H2O
    • in base: ZnO + 2NaOH + H2O → Na22+[Zn(OH)4]2-

Some elements that are able to form amphoteric oxides: Be, Si, Ti, V, Fe, Co, Sb, Zn, Ge, Zr, Ag, Sn, Au [1]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ CHEMIX School & Lab - Software for Chemistry Learning, by Arne Standnes (program download required)