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Amphoteric - Definition and Overview |
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Amphoteric describes something made of, or acting like, two components.
In chemistry, it indicates a substance that can react with either an acid or base. Examples include amino acids and water. Many metals, such as zinc, tin, aluminium and beryllium, have amphoteric oxides.
For example, zinc oxide ZnO reacts differently depending on the pH of the solution:
In acids:
- ZnO + 2H+ --> Zn2+ + H2O
In bases:
- ZnO + H2O + 2OH- --> [Zn(OH)4]2-
This effect can be used to separate different cations, such as zinc from manganese.
See also:
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Example Usage of Amphoteric |
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debgarrison: CLIN CHEM EXPLORER: Clinical Electrolytes - Cations and Anions: Electrolytes are Amphoteric substances, meaning.. http://bit.ly/4GhJSb |
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dannnyphantom: Being an Amphoteric animal I need some inorganic sleep now. Off to pemberley to slap lady catherine's fat face |
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tikkaaa: @woahitsfarah far, since i got no PT now, you know where's metal and nonmetal kan? Amphoteric is IN between metal&non metal. -con- |
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