Amphoteric oxides are oxides that can react both with acids and bases, exhibiting dual acidic and basic properties. When they react with acids, they behave as bases and form salts and water; when they react with bases, they behave as acids and also form salts and water. This dual behavior distinguishes them from purely acidic or basic oxides
. Two common examples of amphoteric oxides are:
- Aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃)
- Zinc oxide (ZnO)
For instance, aluminium oxide reacts with hydrochloric acid (an acid) to form aluminium chloride and water, and with sodium hydroxide (a base) to form sodium aluminate and water. Similarly, zinc oxide reacts with hydrochloric acid to form zinc chloride and water, and with sodium hydroxide to form sodium zincate and water
. Thus, amphoteric oxides like Al₂O₃ and ZnO are versatile compounds important in various chemical reactions due to their ability to act as both acids and bases.
