How do oxides participate in acid-base reactions?

Oxides participate in acid-base reactions by acting as either acidic or basic reactants.

In acid-base reactions, oxides play a crucial role. They can behave as either acidic or basic reactants, depending on their nature. Acidic oxides, also known as non-metal oxides, react with bases to produce salts and water. This is a typical neutralisation reaction. For instance, sulfur dioxide (SO2), a non-metal oxide, reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), a base, to form sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) and water (H2O).

On the other hand, basic oxides, also known as metal oxides, react with acids to produce salts and water. For example, calcium oxide (CaO), a metal oxide, reacts with hydrochloric acid (HCl) to form calcium chloride (CaCl2) and water (H2O).

Some oxides, known as amphoteric oxides, can behave as both acids and bases. They can react with both acids and bases to produce salts and water. An example of an amphoteric oxide is aluminium oxide (Al2O3). It can react with hydrochloric acid, an acid, to form aluminium chloride (AlCl3) and water. Similarly, it can react with sodium hydroxide, a base, to form sodium aluminate (NaAlO2) and water.

In summary, the role of oxides in acid-base reactions is determined by their acidic or basic nature. This is a fundamental concept in understanding the behaviour of substances in chemical reactions.