Which oxide type reacts with both acids and bases?

Which oxide type reacts with both acids and bases?

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

Answer: (B)

Amphoteric behavior is when a substance can react with both acids and bases. Certain metal oxides exhibit this dual character: they act as bases in the presence of acids, forming salts and water, and they act as acids in the presence of bases, also forming salts (or soluble hydroxo complexes) and water. For example, zinc oxide reacts with hydrochloric acid to give zinc chloride and water, showing basic behavior toward an acid. It also reacts with sodium hydroxide in water to form the zincate complex Na2[Zn(OH)4], illustrating acidic behavior toward a base. Aluminum oxide shows similar dual behavior as well. This dual reactivity is why the oxide type that reacts with both acids and bases is amphoteric.

Amphoteric behavior is when a substance can react with both acids and bases. Certain metal oxides exhibit this dual character: they act as bases in the presence of acids, forming salts and water, and they act as acids in the presence of bases, also forming salts (or soluble hydroxo complexes) and water.

For example, zinc oxide reacts with hydrochloric acid to give zinc chloride and water, showing basic behavior toward an acid. It also reacts with sodium hydroxide in water to form the zincate complex Na2[Zn(OH)4], illustrating acidic behavior toward a base. Aluminum oxide shows similar dual behavior as well.

This dual reactivity is why the oxide type that reacts with both acids and bases is amphoteric.