Which of the following oxides is the most acidic?
A. Al2O3
B. P4O10
C. SO3
D. MgO
E. SiO2
SO3
why?
To determine which of the given oxides is the most acidic, we need to consider their chemical properties. The acidity of an oxide is determined by its ability to release protons (H+) when dissolved in water, resulting in the formation of an acidic solution.
One way to identify the acidity of an oxide is to analyze the elements that compose it. In general, oxides of nonmetals are more likely to be acidic compared to oxides of metals.
Let's analyze each of the given options:
A. Al2O3 - This oxide consists of aluminum (Al) and oxygen (O). Al2O3 is amphoteric, meaning it can react as both an acid and a base. However, it tends to behave more as a base than an acid, so it is not the most acidic oxide in this list.
B. P4O10 - This oxide is called tetraphosphorus decoxide, consisting of phosphorus (P) and oxygen (O). P4O10 readily reacts with water to form phosphoric acid (H3PO4), indicating its acidic nature. Therefore, P4O10 is a highly acidic oxide.
C. SO3 - This oxide is sulfur trioxide, consisting of sulfur (S) and oxygen (O). SO3 is a well-known acidic oxide, as it reacts with water to form sulfuric acid (H2SO4). Thus, SO3 is a highly acidic oxide.
D. MgO - This oxide comprises magnesium (Mg) and oxygen (O). MgO is a basic oxide and not acidic. It does not readily release protons when in contact with water, so it is not the most acidic oxide.
E. SiO2 - This oxide is silicon dioxide, consisting of silicon (Si) and oxygen (O). SiO2 is a nonmetal oxide, but it tends to behave as more of an amphoteric substance rather than a highly acidic one. Therefore, it is not the most acidic oxide in this list.
Based on this analysis, the most acidic oxide among the given options is B. P4O10 (tetraphosphorus decoxide) because it readily reacts with water to form phosphoric acid.
To determine which of the given oxides is the most acidic, we can look at the electronegativity difference between the oxygen atom and the central atom.
The higher the electronegativity difference, the more acidic the oxide will be. Let's calculate the electronegativity difference for each oxide:
A. Al2O3:
The electronegativity of aluminum (Al) is 1.5, and the electronegativity of oxygen (O) is 3.5.
Electronegativity difference = 3.5 - 1.5 = 2.0
B. P4O10:
The electronegativity of phosphorus (P) is 2.1.
Electronegativity difference = 2.1 - 1.5 = 0.6
C. SO3:
The electronegativity of sulfur (S) is 2.5.
Electronegativity difference = 3.5 - 2.5 = 1.0
D. MgO:
The electronegativity of magnesium (Mg) is 1.2.
Electronegativity difference = 3.5 - 1.2 = 2.3
E. SiO2:
The electronegativity of silicon (Si) is 1.8.
Electronegativity difference = 3.5 - 1.8 = 1.7
Now, comparing the electronegativity differences, we find that:
The most acidic oxide is Al2O3 (Choice A) with an electronegativity difference of 2.0.