Question

Which of the following compounds would be the most basic ?

• A. \(SO_2\)
• B. \(Na_2O\)
• C. \(Al_2O_3\)
• D. \(NO_2\)

Hint:

To determine the most basic oxide, look for the oxide of the most metallic element. In the periodic table, metallic character increases from right to left and from top to bottom.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The acidic or basic nature of an oxide depends on the element it is formed from. A general trend in the periodic table is:
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{Metallic oxides are typically basic in nature (they react with acids to form salt and water). } \\ \bullet & \text{Non-metallic oxides are typically acidic in nature (they react with bases to form salt and water). } \\ \bullet & \text{Amphoteric oxides can react with both acids and bases (e.g., \(Al_2O_3, ZnO\)). } \\ \end{array}\] The basic character of oxides increases down a group and decreases across a period.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze the given options:
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{\(SO_2\) (Sulfur dioxide): Sulfur (S) is a non-metal. Its oxide is acidic. } \\ \bullet & \text{\(Na_2O\) (Sodium oxide): Sodium (Na) is an alkali metal (Group 1). It is highly metallic, and its oxide is a strong base. } \\ \bullet & \text{\(Al_2O_3\) (Aluminum oxide): Aluminum (Al) is a metal, but its oxide is amphoteric. } \\ \bullet & \text{\(NO_2\) (Nitrogen dioxide): Nitrogen (N) is a non-metal. Its oxide is acidic. } \\ \end{array}\] Comparing the options, \(Na_2O\) is the only strong basic oxide. The others are either acidic or amphoteric. Therefore, \(Na_2O\) is the most basic compound.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Sodium oxide (\(Na_2O\)) is the most basic compound among the choices.