Q.

The option(s) with only amphoteric oxides is (are):

see full answer

Start JEE / NEET / Foundation preparation at rupees 99/day !!

21% of IItians & 23% of AIIMS delhi doctors are from Sri Chaitanya institute !!
An Intiative by Sri Chaitanya

a

 Cr2O3, BeO, SnO, SnO2

b

Cr2O3, CrO, SnO, PbO

c

ZnO, Al2O3, PbO, PbO2

d

NO, B2O3, PbO, SnO2

answer is A, C.

(Unlock A.I Detailed Solution for FREE)

Ready to Test Your Skills?

Check your Performance Today with our Free Mock Test used by Toppers!

Take Free Test

Detailed Solution

The word amphoteric means dual nature. Therefore, an amphoteric oxide is a molecule that has the properties of both acid and basic oxides. These molecules can react with both acids and bases to form salts and water. 

The amphoteric oxide exhibits such dual characteristics due to its oxidizing state. In general, amphoteric oxides belong to Group 2-alkaline earth metals and transition metals.
Now let's take a look at the options given to us.
1. The first molecule given to us is Cr2O3. This molecule has +3 oxidized chromium. It is essentially amphoteric as Cr is a transition metal. Chromium can reach both lower and higher oxidation states. This compound reacts with both acids and bases to form salts and water. ThereforeCr2O3 is amphoteric.
2. The next molecule given is BeO. This Be has a higher electronegativity than lithium, and the Be-O bond is essentially a covalent bond. This molecule is at the acid-base boundary. Therefore, it shows the behavior of both acids and bases. Hence, BeO is amphoteric.

3.  The 3th molecule is SnO. Tin oxide is also amphoteric because it can form both water and salt with acids and bases.
4. The fourth molecule is SnO2SnO2 reacts with both acids and bases to form water and salts. Therefore, it is also amphoteric in nature.
5. The next molecule is CrO. This oxide is basic in nature and chromium has a +2 oxidation state.
6. Then the other molecule is PbO. Lead oxide is essentially amphoteric because it can react with both acids and bases to form salts and water.
7. The next molecule is ZnO. Zinc oxide is also amphoteric in nature and reacts with acids and bases to form both salts and water.
8.The next molecule is Al2O3. This aluminum oxide is also amphoteric in nature.
9. Next is PbO2. This is also Amphoteric. 

10. The NO molecule is a neutral oxide. Such oxides do not exhibit the properties of acidic and basic oxides.
11. The B2O3 molecule is actually anhydrous. It reacts with water to form boric acid, which is inherently acidic. Therefore, it is classified as an acid oxide.

Hence, all the molecules of options A and C are amphoteric in nature.

Watch 3-min video & get full concept clarity

hear from our champions

score_test_img

Get Expert Academic Guidance – Connect with a Counselor Today!

whats app icon