Question

A pair of amophoteric oxides from the following is (a) \(\mathrm{VO}_{2}\) and \(\mathrm{CrO}\) (b) \(\mathrm{VO}_{2}\) and \(\mathrm{CrO}_{3}\) (c) \(\mathrm{VO}\) and \(\mathrm{V}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{5}\) (d) \(\mathrm{VO}_{2}\) and \(\mathrm{Cr}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3}\)

Short answer

The pair of amphoteric oxides is (d) \(\mathrm{VO}_{2}\) and \(\mathrm{Cr}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3}\).

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Amphoteric Oxides

Amphoteric oxides are oxides that can react with both acids and bases to form salt and water. This means they can exhibit both acidic and basic properties depending on the environment they are in.

Identify Potential Amphoteric Oxides

Examine the given oxide compounds: (a) \(\mathrm{VO}_{2}\), \(\mathrm{CrO}\) (b) \(\mathrm{VO}_{2}\), \(\mathrm{CrO}_{3}\) (c) \(\mathrm{VO}\), \(\mathrm{V}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{5}\) (d) \(\mathrm{VO}_{2}\), \(\mathrm{Cr}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3}\).Some common amphoteric oxides include \(\mathrm{Al}_2\mathrm{O}_3\), \(\mathrm{ZnO}\), and \(\mathrm{Cr}_2\mathrm{O}_3\). Note that \(\mathrm{VO}_2\) is known to display amphoteric properties as well.

Evaluate Each Pair

Check each pair to see if it contains both known amphoteric oxides:- (a) \(\mathrm{VO}_2\) and \(\mathrm{CrO}\): Only \(\mathrm{VO}_2\) is amphoteric.- (b) \(\mathrm{VO}_2\) and \(\mathrm{CrO}_3\): Only \(\mathrm{VO}_2\) is amphoteric.- (c) \(\mathrm{VO}\) and \(\mathrm{V}_2 \mathrm{O}_5\): Neither are typically amphoteric.- (d) \(\mathrm{VO}_2\) and \(\mathrm{Cr}_2\mathrm{O}_3\): Both are known to be amphoteric.

Confirm Final Answers

The only pair which has both amphoteric oxides is \(\mathrm{VO}_2\) and \(\mathrm{Cr}_2\mathrm{O}_3\) in option (d).

Key concepts

Acid-Base Chemistry

Acid-base chemistry is a central theme in chemistry that revolves around the interaction of acids and bases. Acids are substances that release hydrogen ions \(H^+\) in aqueous solutions, while bases are substances that release hydroxide ions \(OH^-\). This process is classified based on the Brønsted-Lowry theory, which defines acids as proton donors and bases as proton acceptors.
Amphoteric oxides are a fascinating aspect of acid-base chemistry. These oxides demonstrate dual behavior, as they can react both with acids and bases to yield salt and water. This dual-reactivity makes amphoteric oxides unique, illustrating the complexity of acid-base systems. For instance, when amphoteric oxides like \(\mathrm{Al}_2\mathrm{O}_3\) come into contact with an acid, they react like a base, and when they encounter a base, they behave like an acid.
If you're exploring acid-base reactions, understanding amphoterism—the ability of a substance to react both as an acid and a base—is crucial. It enriches the study of chemistry by introducing flexibility into chemical reactions that requires deeper understanding of compounding behavior and environmental influence.

Inorganic Chemistry

Inorganic chemistry is the branch of chemistry concerned with the properties and behavior of inorganic compounds. This field covers a vast array of substances, excluding organic molecules, and includes metals, minerals, and organometallics.
Amphoteric oxides are a key topic within inorganic chemistry. Their ability to behave as both acidic and basic makes them versatile and important in various chemical processes. Understanding these oxides requires knowledge of how their structure allows them to interact differently depending on the conditions they encounter.
For instance, aluminum oxide \(\mathrm{Al}_2\mathrm{O}_3\) is a commonly studied amphoteric oxide in inorganic chemistry due to its industrial and chemical importance. By studying its reactions in different environments, one learns about its dual behavior and the influence of electronic structures and bonding. This understanding bridges the gap between theoretical concepts in chemistry and practical applications like metallurgy and synthesis of materials.

Oxide Compounds

Oxide compounds are substances that contain at least one oxygen atom bonded to another element. These compounds can be magic in chemistry, forming a basis for understanding various chemical reactions.
Not all oxide compounds are simple; some possess complex properties, such as amphoterism. Amphoteric oxides react with acids and bases differently. Moreover, they play significant roles in both terrestrial and industrial contexts. Depending on the chemical surroundings, these oxides can switch between acidic and basic roles. Hence, they hold a special place in both acid-base chemistry and inorganic chemistry.
The determination of an oxide's behavior often involves recognizing its electron configuration and the resultant structural impact. \(\mathrm{Cr}_2\mathrm{O}_3\), for example, is one such oxide that is amphoteric and is recognized largely for its green color and use in pigments and metal finishes. Understanding oxide compounds is fundamental for students aiming to grasp the diverse possibilities in chemical reactions.