Question

An oxide of a metal which is amphoteric in nature is

• A. PbO
• B. Pb₃O₄
• C. PbO₂

Answer 1

The correct option is A

PbO

Amphoteric Oxide: They are metal oxides that can react with both acids or bases to yield salts and water.

Lead (II) oxide can react with acids as well as bases as below :

With acid :

$$\begin{gathered} \mathrm{PbO}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)+2\mathrm{HCl}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)\to {\mathrm{PbCl}}_2\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)+{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{l}\right) \\ \mathrm{Lead}\left(\mathrm{II}\right)\mathrm{Hydrochloric}\mathrm{Lead}\left(\mathrm{II}\right)\mathrm{Water} \\ \mathrm{Oxide}\mathrm{Acid}\mathrm{Chloride} \end{gathered}$$

With base :

$$\begin{gathered} \mathrm{PbO}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)+\mathrm{Ca}{\left(\mathrm{OH}\right)}_2\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)+{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}(\mathrm{l})\to \mathrm{Ca}[\mathrm{Pb}{\left(\mathrm{OH}\right)}_3{]}^{2-}(\mathrm{aq}) \\ \mathrm{Lead}(\mathrm{II})\mathrm{Calcium}\mathrm{Water}\mathrm{Calcium}\mathrm{Plumbate} \\ \mathrm{Oxide}\mathrm{hydroxide} \end{gathered}$$

Hence, Lead (II) oxide(PbO) is amphoteric in nature.