. What are amphoteric oxides? Give two examples of amphoteric oxides

Best Answer

A molecule or ion that can react both as an acid as well as a base is called an amphoteric compound many metals form amphoteric oxides or hydroxides.

ZnO reacts with both acids and bases:

In acid: ZnO + 2H+   Zn2+ + H2O

In base: ZnO + H2O + 2OH–   [Zn (OH )4]2–

Aluminium oxide

with acid: Al2O3 + 3H2O + 6H3O+ (aq)   2[Al (H2O)6]3+ (aq)

with base: Al2O3 + 3H2O + 2OH– (aq)  2[Al (OH )4]– (aq).