amphoteric versus amphiprotic

[Sarah Blake-2I]

Can someone explain the difference between amphoteric and amphiprotic? What is the difference and what topic does this apply to?

[Ryan 1K]

Amphiprotic substances can donate or accept H+. This means they are also amphoteric since they can act as either an acid or a base. However, amphoteric substances make up a broader category than amphiprotic substances. This is because there are different definitions of acids and bases (Lewis, Bronsted, Arrhenius). Because of this variation, not all amphoteric substances are amphiprotic, though all amphiprotic substances are amphoteric. Other types of amphoteric substances may only donate and accept electrons instead of H+. As such, they would be amphoteric, but not amphiprotic.