Question:

Carbon on reaction with hot conc. \( H_2SO_4 \), gives two oxides along with \( H_2O \). What is the nature of these two oxides?

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Carbon dioxide (\( CO_2 \)) is a well-known acidic oxide, forming carbonic acid in water. Carbon monoxide (\( CO \)) is mostly neutral but can show weak acidic properties under specific conditions.
Updated On: Mar 13, 2025
  • Both are acidic
  • Both are basic
  • Both are neutral
  • Both are amphoteric 

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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation


Step 1: Identifying the Oxides Formed 
When carbon reacts with hot concentrated sulfuric acid (\( H_2SO_4 \)), it undergoes oxidation and produces carbon dioxide (\( CO_2 \)) and carbon monoxide (\( CO \)) along with water: \[ C + H_2SO_4 \rightarrow CO + CO_2 + H_2O + SO_2 \] Step 2: Understanding the Nature of the Oxides 
- Carbon dioxide (\( CO_2 \)): A well-known acidic oxide because it dissolves in water to form carbonic acid (\( H_2CO_3 \)). \[ CO_2 + H_2O \rightarrow H_2CO_3 \] - Carbon monoxide (\( CO \)): Though it does not react with water to form an acid, it is still classified as a neutral oxide. However, in some reactions, it can behave slightly acidic under specific conditions.
Since one oxide is strongly acidic and the other is mildly acidic/neutral, the best classification is that both are acidic.
Step 3: Evaluating the Given Options 
- Option (1): Correct, as both oxides exhibit acidic behavior.
- Option (2): Incorrect, as neither \( CO_2 \) nor \( CO \) is a basic oxide.
- Option (3): Incorrect, as \( CO_2 \) is not neutral.
- Option (4): Incorrect, as neither oxide shows significant amphoteric behavior.
Thus, the correct answer is 

Option (1)

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