Amphoteric and Amphiteric

[Alyssa Cua 2J]

Can someone clarify whether amphoteric and amphiteric are interchangeable or not? If they aren't, what is the difference between the two? Thank you!

[Quynhanh Nguyen 1C]

Hi! I think you're referring to amphoteric vs amphiprotic? The main difference between the two is that amphoteric refers to a molecule's ability to act as an acid or base whereas amphiprotic refers to the ability to accept or donate protons. They are very similar. Hope that helps!

[Elena Chan 2L]

Hi! To add on, amphoteric is a more broad term that can be used to describe Lewis acids and bases whereas amphiprotic is more particular and deals with specifically Bronsted-Lowry acids and bases since it is specifically about protons, not just electron accepting/donating.