Definition

[Kirsty Star 2H]

Can someone define amphoteric for me?

[Reva Kakaria 1J]

Amphoteric refers to a compound, especially metal oxides/hydroxides, that can act as either a base or an acid.

[Sophie Roberts 1E]

Amphoteric refers to a compound that can act as either a base or an acid. The most well known example of an amphoteric compound is water, because it can act as both a base and acid.

[Aiden Atoori 1C]

An amphoteric compound is one that can react with both acids and bases.

[Briana Perez 3A]

Rather than acting as simply a base or simply an acid, an amphoteric compound can act as both. Water is a prime example of this.

[JiangJC Dis2K]

Based on Lavelle's class notes "Between metal oxides (Bases) and Nonmetal Oxides (Acids) there is a diagonal bond of amphoteric oxides closely matching the diagonal bond of metalloids." Examples include BeO, Al2O3, Ga2O3, SnO2, Sb2O5, and PbO2.