What are amphoteric oxides

• Acids, Bases & Salts (C10)

What are amphoteric oxides ? Give an example. Write balanced chemical equations to justify your answer.

Answer

Amphoteric oxides: Metal oxides showing both acidic and basic nature.

Example: Al₂O₃ , ZnO

Chemical Equation:

Al₂O₃ + 6HCl → 2AlCl₃ + 3H₂O

Al₂O₃ + 2NaOH → 2NaAlO₂ + H₂O