amphoteric vs amphiprotic

[Sara_you 2D]

what is the difference between the terms amphoteric and amphiprotic?

[Aditya Narashim 1K]

Hi Sara!
From my understanding amphiprotic has to do with acceptance of protons and a species that is amphiprotic can either accept or donate protons and amphoteric. Amphoteric is more of a blanket term that applies to all molecules that act as both an acid and as a base. WIth these definitions we could understand the difference between the two categories like the difference of a square and a rectangle like all squares are rectangles all amphiprotic substances are amphoteric but like how not all rectangles are squares not all amphoteric substances are amphiprotic.

[906202950]

Amphoteric substances can act as either acids or bases, reacting with both acids and bases. Amphiprotic substances specifically donate or accept protons, a narrower concept focused on proton transfer. Thus, while all amphiprotic substances are amphoteric, not all amphoteric substances are necessarily amphiprotic.