Question:

"Aluminium oxide is an amphoteric oxide." Justify this statement giving chemical equation for the reactions involved.

Updated On: May 20, 2025
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Solution and Explanation

Amphoteric Oxide – Aluminium Oxide (Al2O3)

Definition: An amphoteric oxide is an oxide that reacts with both acids and bases to form salt and water.

Example: Aluminium oxide (Al2O3)

1. Reaction with Acid (HCl)

When aluminium oxide reacts with hydrochloric acid, it behaves as a basic oxide:

Al2O3(s) + 6HCl(aq) → 2AlCl3(aq) + 3H2O(l)

Here, a salt (aluminium chloride) and water are formed.

2. Reaction with Base (NaOH)

When aluminium oxide reacts with sodium hydroxide, it behaves as an acidic oxide:

Al2O3(s) + 2NaOH(aq) + 3H2O(l) → 2Na[Al(OH)4](aq)

or simply:

Al2O3(s) + 2NaOH(aq) → 2NaAlO2(aq) + H2O(l)

In both reactions, a salt and water are produced.

Conclusion:

Since aluminium oxide reacts with both acids and bases to form salt and water, it is classified as an amphoteric oxide.

General form: Al2O3 + HCl/NaOH → salt + H2O

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