Amphoteric and Amphiprotic

[Aimee Alvarado 3J]

What is the difference between amphoteric and amphiprotic?

[ColmConnolly3D]

Amphoteric and Amphiprotic essentially mean the same thing, Amphiprotic is just specific to the Bronstead Acid Definition. While Amphiphoteric means a compound that can act as either an acid or a base depending on its milieu, a definition that applies to all ways to describe acids, Apmhiprotic specifically means a compound that can accept or give off a proton based on its surroundings, essentially acting as a Bronstead specific term.

Hope this helps!

[SashaAnand2J]

Hi Aimee!

While the definitions of amphoteric and amphiprotic are very similar, they are not identical. Note that all amphiprotic substances are amphoteric, although all amphiprotic substances may not be amphoteric. This is because amphoteric substances simply have to be able to react with acids and bases, but amphiprotic substances have a more specific definition: they must either donate or accept a proton, as indicated by the name.