Question

What are amphoteric oxides? Give two examples of amphoteric oxides.

Answer 1

Amphoteric oxides are compounds that can act as both acidic and basic oxides. These oxides can react with both acids and bases, depending on the conditions. In acidic environments, they behave as bases, and in basic environments, they act as acids.
Two examples of amphoteric oxides are:

1. Aluminum Oxide (Al₂O₃): It can react with both acids and bases. In the presence of an acid, it can neutralize the acid by acting as a base. In the presence of a base, it can neutralize the base by acting as an acid.
   $Al_2O_3+6HCl→2AlCl_3+3H_2O$
   $Al_2O_3+2NaOH+3H_2O→2NaAl(OH)_4$
2. Zinc Oxide (ZnO): Like aluminum oxide, zinc oxide can also exhibit amphoteric properties. It reacts with both acids and bases.
   $ZnO+2HCl→ZnCl_2+H_2O$
   $ZnO+2NaOH→Na_2Zn(OH)_4$