Why do amphoteric oxides show both acidic basic behaviour?
Why do amphoteric oxides show both acidic basic behaviour?
Dear student!
Amphoteric means a substance(ion or molecule) which can act as both acid and base due to the presence of the characteristics of both the acid and base. This both acid and base character comes due to presence of both the electronegative and electropositive groups.
For ex:Aluminum oxides or hydroxides act as both acid and base in different reactions so they are amphoteric.
For ex: Aluminium hydroxide Al(OH)3 is amphoteric as it acts as a base and reacts with acids to form aluminum salts while as an acid (like H3AlO3) it reacts with alkalies to give aluminates.
As a base (neutralizing an acid): Al(OH)3 + 3HCl → AlCl3 + 3 H2O
As an acid (neutralizing a base): Al(OH)3 + NaOH → Na[Al(OH)4]
Dear student!
Amphoteric means a substance(ion or molecule) which can act as both acid and base due to the presence of the characteristics of both the acid and base. This both acid and base character comes due to presence of both the electronegative and electropositive groups.
For ex:Aluminum oxides or hydroxides act as both acid and base in different reactions so they are amphoteric.
For ex: Aluminium hydroxide Al(OH)3 is amphoteric as it acts as a base and reacts with acids to form aluminum salts while as an acid (like H3AlO3) it reacts with alkalies to give aluminates.
As a base (neutralizing an acid): Al(OH)3 + 3HCl → AlCl3 + 3 H2O
As an acid (neutralizing a base): Al(OH)3 + NaOH → Na[Al(OH)4]
