Question

The option(s) with only amphoteric oxides is(are) [A] \(\mathrm{Cr}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3}, \mathrm{BeO}, \mathrm{SnO}, \mathrm{SnO}_{2}\) [B] \(\mathrm{Cr}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3}, \mathrm{CrO}, \mathrm{SnO}, \mathrm{PbO}\) [C] \(\mathrm{NO}, \mathrm{B}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3}, \mathrm{PbO}, \mathrm{SnO}_{2}\) [D] \(\mathrm{ZnO}, \mathrm{Al}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3}, \mathrm{PbO}, \mathrm{PbO}_{2}\)

Short answer

Option [A] is correct as all the oxides \(\mathrm{Cr}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3}\), \(\mathrm{BeO}\), \(\mathrm{SnO}\), and \(\mathrm{SnO}_{2}\) are amphoteric.

Step-by-step solution

Define Amphoteric Oxides

An amphoteric oxide is an oxide that can act as both an acid and a base. It can react with acids to form salt and water and with bases to form salt and water as well.

Identify Amphoteric Oxides

Examine each oxide in every option. Amphoteric oxides often come from either metalloids or metals that are close to the boundary between metals and nonmetals in the periodic table. These typically include elements such as aluminum, zinc, tin, lead, and sometimes beryllium and chromium.

Analyze Each Option Individually

Option A: - \(\mathrm{Cr}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3}\), \(\mathrm{BeO}\), \(\mathrm{SnO}\), and \(\mathrm{SnO}_{2}\) are all amphoteric oxides.Option B: - \(\mathrm{Cr}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3}\) and \(\mathrm{SnO}\) are amphoteric oxides. However, \(\mathrm{CrO}\) and \(\mathrm{PbO}\) are not solely amphoteric as \(\mathrm{PbO}\) can be basic.Option C: - \(\mathrm{NO}\) is not an oxide of a metal or metalloid typically known for forming amphoteric substances, and \(\mathrm{B}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3}\) is acidic. However, \(\mathrm{PbO}\) and \(\mathrm{SnO}_{2}\) are amphoteric.Option D: - \(\mathrm{ZnO}\), \(\mathrm{Al}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3}\), and \(\mathrm{PbO}\) are amphoteric oxides, but \(\mathrm{PbO}_{2}\) is primarily an oxidizing agent and is not amphoteric.

Select Correct Option

Select the option that contains only amphoteric oxides. Option A is the only one that lists oxides which are all known to behave as amphoteric species.

Key concepts

JEE Advanced Chemistry

The Joint Entrance Examination Advanced (JEE Advanced) is a highly prestigious examination in India, aimed at students aspiring to enter the premier Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Among the numerous topics covered in JEE Advanced Chemistry, an understanding of the nature of chemical compounds, particularly oxides and their reactivity, is essential. As students prepare for this competitive exam, they encounter complex concepts, including amphoteric oxides, which are featured in both theoretical and practical chemistry problems.

Understanding amphoteric oxides requires a solid grasp of acid-base reactions and the ability to predict the behavior of a substance based on its position in the periodic table. This knowledge is not only relevant for JEE Chemistry but also plays a crucial role in further studies and applications in materials science, environmental science, and industrial processes.

Chemical Properties of Oxides

Oxides, compounds consisting of oxygen and another element, are categorized based on their acid-base characteristics. These categories include acidic oxides, basic oxides, and amphoteric oxides. Knowing the chemical properties of oxides is fundamental for solving reactions and understanding their potential applications.

Amphoteric oxides are of particular interest because of their dual acid and base behavior. These compounds can react with both acids and bases to produce salts and water. This unique property makes them versatile in various chemical processes, including metallurgy and waste treatment.

Key Characteristics of Amphoteric Oxides

• They can react with acids to form salt and water.
• Similarly, they can react with bases to also yield salt and water.
• The amphoteric nature is often associated with elements that either are metalloids or are positioned near the metal-nonmetal boundary in the periodic table, such as zinc or tin.

Students tackling JEE Advanced Chemistry problems will often need to identify these oxides to predict reaction outcomes and understand their industrial significance.

Periodic Table Metalloids

The periodic table of elements is a systematic arrangement of elements based on their atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties. Metalloids, found along the metal-nonmetal boundary of the periodic table, exhibit mixed properties and are of considerable interest in various branches of chemistry.

Metalloids, due to their intermediate chemical characteristics, are capable of forming compounds, such as amphoteric oxides, that display both acidic and basic qualities. Understanding the properties and reactions of metalloid oxides is fundamental in JEE Advanced Chemistry as it contributes to the ability to predict compound behavior and the reactions they undergo.

Characteristic Properties of Metalloids

• They display properties intermediate between metals and nonmetals.
• They often form amphoteric oxides.
• Well-known metalloids include boron, silicon, germanium, arsenic, antimony, and tellurium.

Recognizing metalloids and their amphoteric oxides assists students in making informed predictions about the nature of a chemical reaction involving these elements.