Explain reaction of metal oxides with acids and bases.
Metal oxides are basic in nature. Thus, when an acid reacts with a metal oxide both neutralize each other. In this reaction, respective salt and water are formed.
Acid + Metal Oxide ⇨ Salt + Water
Example: Calcium is a metal, thus calcium oxide is a metallic oxide which is basic in nature. When an acid; such as hydrochloric acid; reacts with calcium oxide, neutralization reaction takes place and calcium chloride; along with water; is formed.
2HCl + CaO ⇨ CaCl2+H2O
Metal oxides are generally basic in nature. So when they react with bases no reaction occurs.
But some metal oxides are basic as well as acidic in nature.
In acidic conditions it behaves as a base. In alkaline conditions it behaves as an acid.
So When these react with any base, salt and water are produced. These are called amphoteric oxides.
Example
: Aluminium Oxide
Aluminium Oxide + Hydrochloric Acid→ Aluminium Chloride + Water