Question

Why non-metallic oxides are mostly acidic?

• A. they readily accept proton.
• B. they are bitter in taste.
• C. they readily lose proton.
• D. None of above.

Answer 1

The correct option is C they readily lose proton.

The addition of water to a non-metal oxide results in a compound that consists of a non-metal atom surrounded by oxo ($=O$) and hydroxyl ($-OH$) groups.

Such a molecule readily loses a proton from one of its hydroxyl groups because the resulting anion is highly stabilized by the oxygen atoms and the electronegative non-metal atom. Therefore, they are acidic.