Which amphoteric oxide dissolves readily in both aqueous hydrochloric acid and aqueous sodium hydroxide?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Aluminum oxide
Al2O3 is an amphoteric oxide: it reacts with acids to form Al3+ salts (e.g. AlCl3) and with strong bases to form aluminate complexes ([Al(OH)4]-). CaO and Na2O are strictly basic; SO3 is strictly acidic.
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