Which of the following cannot form an amphoteric oxide ?

Options

A. Al
B. Sn
C. Sb
D. P

Answer

To determine which of the following elements cannot form an amphoteric oxide, we will analyze the properties of the oxides formed by each element listed: aluminum, tin, antimony, and phosphorus.

### Step 1: Understand Amphoteric Oxides
Amphoteric oxides are oxides that can react both as acids and bases. They typically belong to metals and metalloids. Non-metal oxides, on the other hand, are usually acidic.

### Step 2: Analyze Each Element
1. **Aluminum (Al)**: Aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) is amphoteric. It can react with both acids and bases.

2. **Tin (Sn)**: Tin oxide (SnO₂) is also amphoteric. It can react with acids and bases.

3. **Antimony (Sb)**: Antimony oxide (Sb₂O₃) is amphoteric as well. It can behave as both an acid and a base.

4. **Phosphorus (P)**: Phosphorus primarily forms acidic oxides, such as phosphorus trioxide (P₂O₃) and phosphorus pentoxide (P₂O₅). These oxides do not exhibit amphoteric behavior.

### Step 3: Conclusion
Based on the analysis, phosphorus is the element that cannot form an amphoteric oxide. Therefore, the answer is phosphorus.

### Final Answer:
Phosphorus (P) cannot form an amphoteric oxide.

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