Question

Metal oxides, which react with both acids and bases, are called ________.

• A. basic oxides
• B. neutral oxides
• C. acidic oxides
• D. amphoteric oxides

Answer 1

The correct option is D amphoteric oxides

Amphoteric oxides react with both acids and bases to produce salt and water. The most famous example is that of aluminium oxide (${\text{Al}}_2{\text{O}}_3$).

Reaction with an acid-
${\text{Al}}_2{\text{O}}_3\text{(s)}+6\text{HCl (aq)}\to 2{\text{AlCl}}_3\text{(aq)}+3{\text{H}}_2\text{O (l)}$

Reaction with a base-
${\text{Al}}_2{\text{O}}_3\text{(s)}+2\text{NaOH (aq)}\to 2{\text{NaAlO}}_2\text{(aq)}+{\text{H}}_2\text{O (l)}$