Metal oxides are typically which type of oxide?

Metal oxides are typically which type of oxide?

• A. Acidic
• B. Basic
• C. Neutral
• D. Amphoteric

Answer: (B)

Metal oxides are typically basic in nature because the oxide ion O2− behaves as a base, readily accepting protons to form hydroxide in solution. This is seen when metal oxides react with water to produce metal hydroxides, such as CaO reacting with H2O to give Ca(OH)2, which makes the solution basic. They also neutralize acids, forming salts and water, which is the classic behavior of basic oxides. While some metal oxides can be amphoteric (showing both acidic and basic behavior) or, in special cases, nonmetal oxides are acidic, the widespread and most characteristic behavior of metal oxides is to act as bases.

Metal oxides are typically basic in nature because the oxide ion O2− behaves as a base, readily accepting protons to form hydroxide in solution. This is seen when metal oxides react with water to produce metal hydroxides, such as CaO reacting with H2O to give Ca(OH)2, which makes the solution basic. They also neutralize acids, forming salts and water, which is the classic behavior of basic oxides. While some metal oxides can be amphoteric (showing both acidic and basic behavior) or, in special cases, nonmetal oxides are acidic, the widespread and most characteristic behavior of metal oxides is to act as bases.