In the following sets of reactants which two sets best exhibit the amp...
Compound with amphoteric structure can act both as acid and base.
Therefore, the set -1 is Al2O3.xH2O(s), that forms Al(OH)4− in the solutions.
The set-3 is of acidic nature Al2O3.xH2O(s) that shows Al3+ and H2O .
In the following sets of reactants which two sets best exhibit the amp...
Amphoteric Nature of Al2O3.xH2O
Al2O3.xH2O(s) is an amphoteric substance, which means it can act as both an acid and a base. When it reacts with an acid, it acts as a base, and when it reacts with a base, it acts as an acid. The best sets of reactants that exhibit the amphoteric character of Al2O3.xH2O are:
Set-1: Al2O3.xH2O(s) and OH-(aq)
Set-2: Al2O3.xH2O(s) and H2O(l)
Set-3: Al2O3.xH2O(s) and H+(aq)
Set-4: Al2O3.xH2O(s) and NH3(aq)
Explanation:
Set-1: Al2O3.xH2O(s) and OH-(aq)
When Al2O3.xH2O(s) reacts with OH-(aq), it acts as an acid and donates a proton to form H2O(l) and Al(OH)4-(aq). Therefore, this set exhibits the amphoteric character of Al2O3.xH2O.
Set-2: Al2O3.xH2O(s) and H2O(l)
When Al2O3.xH2O(s) is added to water, it forms a weakly acidic solution due to the presence of hydrolyzed Al3+ ions. Therefore, this set also exhibits the amphoteric character of Al2O3.xH2O.
Set-3: Al2O3.xH2O(s) and H+(aq)
When Al2O3.xH2O(s) reacts with H+(aq), it acts as a base and accepts a proton to form H2O(l) and Al3+(aq). Therefore, this set does not exhibit the amphoteric character of Al2O3.xH2O.
Set-4: Al2O3.xH2O(s) and NH3(aq)
When Al2O3.xH2O(s) reacts with NH3(aq), it acts as an acid and donates a proton to form NH4+(aq) and Al(OH)3(s). Therefore, this set does not exhibit the amphoteric character of Al2O3.xH2O.
Conclusion:
From the above analysis, we can conclude that the best sets of reactants that exhibit the amphoteric character of Al2O3.xH2O are Set-1: Al2O3.xH2O(s) and OH-(aq) and Set-2: Al2O3.xH2O(s) and H2O(l).