Is aluminum oxide an amphoteric oxide?

Answer 1

Aluminum*)oxide is an amphoteric compound by being both 1. acidic and 2. alkaline

1. acidic

It will dissolve in hydroxide (an alkaline solution):

Al2O3 + 2OH- + 3H2O --> 2 Al(OH)4- aluminate anion

2. alkaline

It will dissolve in acidic H+ solution:

Al2O3 + 6H+ --> 2Al3+ + 3H2O

The amphoteric, neutral formula can be written as both Al2O3.(H2O)3 and: 2Al(OH)3

Added

(The same answer, but this time written without ions in solvent):

Aluminium*)oxide is amphoteric:

• Al2O3(s) can react with a base:

Al2O3(s) + 2NaOH(aq) + H2O(l) --> 2NaAl(OH)4(aq)

Aluminium oxide + sodium hydroxide + water --> sodium aluminate

• Al2O3 can react with an acid:

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

Aluminium oxide + hydrochloric acid --> aluminum chloride + water

*) The USA spells Al as aluminum; British Isles as aluminum. Both are correct.

Answer 2

There are a few amphoteric oxides.

Water (an oxide of hydrogen) is a prime example.

Aluminum oxide is also amphoteric.

Answer 3

They react with both acids and bases, i.e. they have both acidic and basic properties. An example is Al2O3.

Answer 4

amphoteric oxides are those who possess both acidic and basic properties

Answer 5

Yes, aluminum oxide is an amphoteric oxide because it can react with both acids and bases to form salts. It shows both acidic and basic properties depending on the reaction conditions.