6A.17

[Shanzey]

How are we able to tell that As2O3 and Bi2O3 are amphoteric compounds? I drew the Lewis structure for the compound, but I do not understand how we can tell that they possess both acidic and basic abilities.

[saigorijavolu2k]

Amphoteric compounds are compounds that can react as an acid and base. If you react them with water, there would be 2 reactions. If you write this out then you can tell. Also it is general pattern. There is chart in the textbook which can help.

[Ruby Tang 2J]

In general, metal oxides tend to act as bases while nonmetal oxides tend to act as acids. The oxides of elements on or near the diagonal metalloid line going down the periodic table have relatively equal acidic and basic character, so they are considered amphoteric.

[erica thompson 4I]

Amphoteric compounds are compounds that can react as an acid and base. If you react them with water, there would be 2 reactions. If you write this out then you can tell. Also it is general pattern. There is chart in the textbook which can help.

Where is this chart in the textbook???

[Melvin Reputana 1L]

The chart is on the left side of page 450 in the textbook. It is called Figure 6A.7.

[Princess Jereza 3C]

Amphoteric compounds are compounds with characteristics of acids and bases, and metals/metalloids can form amphoteric compounds with oxygen because they can possess different oxidation states. In 6A.17, As2O3 & Bi2O3 are amphoteric because of the arsenic and bismuth metals. I hope this helps!