Question Error Report

Thank you for reporting, we will resolve it shortly

Back to Question

Q. Which of the following is an amphoteric oxide?

The s-Block Elements

Solution:

$BeO + 2HCl \to BeCl_2 + H_2O$ and
$BeO + 2NaOH + H_2O \to Na_2[Be(OH)_4]$(Sodium beryllate)
$BeO$ is an amphoteric oxide as it reacts with an acid as well as a base. As the atoms get larger, the ionization energy decreases and the elements also become more basic. $BeO$ is insoluble in water but dissolves in acids to give salts, and in alkalis to give beryllates which on standing precipitate as the hydroxide.