Which of the following oxide is amphoteric?

Options

A. `CO_(2)`
B. `SnO_(2)`
C. CaO
D. `SiO_(2)`

Explanation

To determine which of the following oxides is amphoteric, we need to analyze the nature of each oxide provided. Amphoteric oxides are those that can react both as an acid and as a base.

1. **Identify the Oxides**: The oxides mentioned in the question are:
- CO2 (Carbon Dioxide)
- SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide)
- CaO (Calcium Oxide)
- SnO2 (Tin(IV) Oxide)

2. **Classify Each Oxide**:
- **CO2**: This oxide is acidic. It reacts with water to form carbonic acid (H2CO3).
- **SiO2**: This oxide is also acidic. It does not react with bases and is generally considered a non-metal oxide.
- **CaO**: This oxide is basic. It reacts with acids to form salts and water.
- **SnO2**: This oxide is amphoteric. It can react with both acids and bases.

3. **Demonstrate the Amphoteric Nature of SnO2**:
- **As a Base**: SnO2 reacts with hydrochloric acid (HCl) to form tin(IV) chloride (SnCl4) and water:
\[ \text{SnO}_2 + 4\text{HCl} \rightarrow \text{SnCl}_4 + 2\text{H}_2\text{O} \]
- **As an Acid**: SnO2 reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to form sodium stannate (Na2SnO3) and water:
\[ \text{SnO}_2 + 2\text{NaOH} \rightarrow \text{Na}_2\text{SnO}_3 + \text{H}_2\text{O} \]

4. **Conclusion**: Based on the above reactions, SnO2 is the only oxide that can act as both an acid and a base, thus it is classified as amphoteric.

**Final Answer**: SnO2 is the amphoteric oxide.

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