Question

Which of the following oxides is amphoteric in nature?

• A. $CaO$
• B. ${CO}_2$
• C. ${SiO}_2$
• D. ${SnO}_2$

Answer 1

The correct option is D

${\mathrm{SnO}}_2$

The explanation for the correct option:

(D) ${\mathbf{SnO}}_{\mathbf{2}}$:

• Amphoteric oxides are metal oxides that react with acids and bases to form salts and water.
• Tin oxide $\left({\mathrm{SnO}}_2\right)$ is an amphoteric in nature because it can react with both acid and base to form salts and water.
• The reaction of Tin oxide with hydrochloric acid $\left(\mathrm{HCl}\right)$ is as follows:

${\mathrm{SnO}}_2+4\mathrm{HCl}\to {\mathrm{Cl}}_2+{\mathrm{SnCl}}_2+2{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$

• The reaction of Tin oxide with potassium hydroxide $\left(\mathrm{KOH}\right)$ is as follows:

${\mathrm{SnO}}_2+2\mathrm{KOH}\to {\mathrm{K}}_2{\mathrm{SnO}}_3+{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$

The explanation for the incorrect option:

(A) $\mathbf{CaO}$:

Calcium oxide $\left(\mathrm{CaO}\right)$ is basic in nature, not amphoteric.

(B) ${\mathbf{CO}}_{\mathbf{2}}$:

Carbon dioxide $\left({\mathrm{CO}}_2\right)$ is acidic in nature, not amphoteric.

(C) ${\mathbf{SiO}}_{\mathbf{2}}$:

Silicon dioxide $\left({\mathrm{SiO}}_2\right)$ is acidic in nature, not amphoteric.

Therefore, the correct option is (D). ${\mathrm{SnO}}_2$ is amphoteric in nature.