Which of the following oxides are amphoteric?

Options

A. `CO`
B. `SnO_(2)`
C. `ZnO`
D. `BeO`

Answer

To determine which of the given oxides are amphoteric, we will analyze each oxide based on its ability to react with both acids and bases. Amphoteric oxides can act as either an acid or a base.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Oxides**: The oxides given are:
- A) CO (Carbon monoxide)
- B) SnO2 (Tin(IV) oxide)
- C) ZnO (Zinc oxide)
- D) BeO (Beryllium oxide)

2. **Analyze Carbon Monoxide (CO)**:
- Carbon monoxide is a neutral oxide. It does not react with acids or bases.
- **Conclusion**: CO is not amphoteric.

3. **Analyze Tin(IV) Oxide (SnO2)**:
- SnO2 reacts with hydrochloric acid (HCl) to form SnCl4 and water, acting as a base.
- SnO2 also reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to form sodium stannate (Na2SnO3) and water, acting as an acid.
- **Conclusion**: SnO2 is amphoteric.

4. **Analyze Zinc Oxide (ZnO)**:
- ZnO reacts with hydrochloric acid (HCl) to form zinc chloride and water, acting as a base.
- ZnO also reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to form sodium zincate (Na2ZnO2) and water, acting as an acid.
- **Conclusion**: ZnO is amphoteric.

5. **Analyze Beryllium Oxide (BeO)**:
- BeO reacts with hydrochloric acid (HCl) to form beryllium chloride and water, acting as a base.
- BeO also reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to form sodium beryllate (Na2BeO2) and water, acting as an acid.
- **Conclusion**: BeO is amphoteric.

6. **Final Conclusion**:
- The amphoteric oxides from the options provided are:
- B) SnO2
- C) ZnO
- D) BeO
- Option A (CO) is not amphoteric.

### Summary of Amphoteric Oxides:
- Amphoteric: SnO2, ZnO, BeO
- Not Amphoteric: CO