Which of the following is a neutral oxide?

Options

A. CO
B. `C_3O_2 `
C. `CO_2 `
D. All of these

Answer

To determine which of the given options is a neutral oxide, we need to understand the definition of a neutral oxide. Neutral oxides are oxides that do not react with either acids or bases. Let's analyze the options step by step:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Options**:
We need to evaluate the following oxides:
- Option 1: CO (Carbon monoxide)
- Option 2: C3O2 (Suboxide of carbon)
- Option 3: CO2 (Carbon dioxide)

2. **Evaluate Option 1: CO (Carbon monoxide)**:
- Carbon monoxide is known to be a neutral oxide. It does not react with acids or bases. Therefore, it fits the definition of a neutral oxide.

3. **Evaluate Option 2: C3O2 (Suboxide of carbon)**:
- C3O2 is classified as a suboxide. Suboxides typically have a higher proportion of the electropositive element (in this case, carbon) compared to oxygen. These oxides can react with acids or bases, so C3O2 is not a neutral oxide.

4. **Evaluate Option 3: CO2 (Carbon dioxide)**:
- Carbon dioxide is an acidic oxide. It reacts with bases, such as sodium hydroxide, to form carbonates. Therefore, CO2 does not qualify as a neutral oxide.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the evaluations, the only oxide that does not react with either acids or bases is CO (Carbon monoxide). Thus, the correct answer is **Option 1: CO**.

### Final Answer:
**Option 1: CO (Carbon monoxide) is a neutral oxide.**