Question

Which one of these is basic?
A.$C{{O}_{2}}$
B.$Sn{{O}_{2}}$
C.$N{{O}_{2}}$
D.$S{{O}_{2}}$

Answer 1

An oxide is a chemical compound that contains at least one oxygen atom and one other element in its chemical formula. "Oxide" itself is the di-anion of oxygen, an ${O_2}^–$ (molecular) ion. Metal oxides thus typically contain an anion of oxygen in the oxidation state of −2.

Complete step by step answer:
Oxides of non-metals are acidic in nature while oxides of metals are basic in nature.
We will check this and answer the given question.
The first option is $C{{O}_{2}}$. Carbon is a non-metal so this is an oxide of non-metal and hence it is acidic in nature. So this is not the correct answer.
The second option is $Sn{{O}_{2}}$. $Sn$ or tin is a metal with a silvery lustre. So this is an oxide of a metal and hence is a basic oxide. So this can be the correct answer.
We will check the other options also.
The third option is $N{{O}_{2}}$. Nitrogen is a non-metal. So this is an acidic oxide. This is not the correct option.
The fourth option is $S{{O}_{2}}$. Sulphur is also non-metal. So this is an acidic oxide as nonmetals will have acidic oxide. So this is also not the correct option.

The correct option is B.

Additional information:
Oxides of most metals adopt polymeric structures. The oxide typically links three metal atoms (e.g., rutile structure) or six metal atoms (carborundum or rock salt structures). Because the M-O bonds are typically strong and these compounds are cross-linked polymers, the solids tend to be insoluble in solvents, though they are attacked by acids and bases. The formulas are often deceptively simple where many are nonstoichiometric compounds.

Note:
Metal oxides which react with both acids as well as bases to produce salts and water are known as amphoteric oxides. Many metals (such as copper, zinc, tin, lead, aluminum, and beryllium) form amphoteric oxides or hydroxides. Amphoterism depends on the oxidation states of the oxide.