Question

Write the properties of basic oxides.

Answer 1

Definition

An oxide that dissolves in water to give a base is called a basic oxide.

Example: ${\mathrm{Na}}_2\mathrm{O}$

Sodium oxide (${\mathrm{Na}}_2\mathrm{O}$) reacts with water to form base sodium hydroxide ($\mathrm{NaOH}$).

Chemical equation:

${\mathrm{Na}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)+{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)\to 2\mathrm{NaOH}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)$

Properties of basic oxides

• Basic oxides are compounds that can form a basic solution when dissolved in water.
• They are also known as base anhydrides.
• Basic oxides are formed when oxygen reacts with metals.
• They react with water forming basic compounds.
• They react with acids forming a salt.
• They do not react with bases.
• They have ionic bonds.
• Their pH is decreased when dissolved in water.