JEE Main · 2005 · 08 May 2005 · Offline · p-Block Elements

Which of the following oxides is amphoteric in character?

(A)CaO
(B) $CO_{2}$
(C) $SiO_{2}$
(D) $SnO_{2}$ ✓ Correct

Answer: (D)

Solution

An amphoteric oxide is one that can play both sides of an acid-base reaction, dissolving in acids and in alkalis alike. Among these four,

CaO

is a typical basic oxide of a very electropositive metal, while

CO X_{2}

and

SiO X_{2}

are non-metal oxides that behave as acidic oxides. Tin sits at the metal-metalloid borderline, so

SnO X_{2}

reacts with strong acids to give tin(IV) salts and with strong bases to give stannates, which is exactly the dual behaviour that marks out an amphoteric oxide.

JEE Main · 2005 · 08 May 2005 · Offline · Single correct option

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