amphoteric definition in chemistry
Video: Amphoteric: Definition, Properties & Examples. There are substances that can only act as an acid and those that can only act as a base. However, there are also substances that can do both - these are called amphoteric substances. In this lesson, we will learn all about the amphoteric substances. Amphoteric oxides include lead oxide and zinc oxide, among many others. One type of amphoteric species are amphiprotic molecules, which can either donate or accept a proton (H+). Examples include amino acids and proteins, which have amine and carboxylic acid groups, and self-ionizable compounds such as water. In chemistry, an amphoteric substance is a substance that has the ability to act either as an acid or a base. Remember that acids donate protons (or accept electron pairs), and bases accept protons. Amphoteric substances can do either. So, we can think of an amphoteric substance as something like a double agent. The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica. Amphoterism, in chemistry, reactivity of a substance with both acids and bases, acting as an acid in the presence of a base and as a base in the presence of an acid. Water is an example of an amphoteric substance. H2O + NH3 ⇌ NH4 + OH. In regard to the indications of the amphoteric character of stronger acids, see Chapter XV. The Elements of Qualitative Chemical Analysis, vol. 1, parts 1 and 2. Bodies of this kind are known as amphoteric electrolytes, since they yield both positive and negative ions, if dissociated. In regard to the indications of the amphoteric character of stronger acids, see Chapter XV. The Elements of Qualitative Chemical Analysis, vol. 1, parts 1 and 2. Julius Stieglitz. Bodies of this kind are known as amphoteric electrolytes, since they yield both positive and negative ions, if dissociated. Examples of Amphoteric Substances. Besides water, substances that can donate and accept protons, like the bicarbonate ion, are amphoteric. Other amphoteric substances can be formed from the oxides and hydroxides of metals like beryllium, zinc, and lead. An amphiprotic molecule (or ion) can either donate or accept a proton, thus acting either as an acid or a base. Water, amino acids, hydrogen carbonate ions and hydrogen sulfate ions are common examples of amphiprotic species. Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content. Link to this page: <a href=http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Amphoteric+(chemistry)>amphoterism</a>. Facebook. In chemistry, an amphoteric compound is a molecule or ion that can react both as an acid as well as a base. The word is derived from the Greek word amphoteroi (ἀμφότεροι) meaning both. Many metals (such as copper, zinc, tin, lead, aluminium, and beryllium) form amphoteric oxides or hydroxides.
An amphoteric substance is a substance that has the ability to act either as an acid or a base.