JEE Main · 2021 · 26 Feb 2021 · Shift 2 · p-Block Elements

Which pair of oxides is acidic in nature?

(A)N₂O, BaO
(B)B₂O₃, SiO₂✓ Correct
(C)B₂O₃, CaO
(D)CaO, SiO₂

Answer: (B)

Solution

An oxide is acidic when oxygen is bound to an electronegative non-metal, so that the oxide reacts with a base to give a salt.

B_{2} O_{3}

dissolves in alkali to give borate and

Si O_{2}

dissolves in fused alkali to give silicate, so both behave as acidic oxides.

BaO

and

CaO

are ionic oxides of active metals and are basic, while

N_{2} O

forms no oxoacid and is neutral. The acidic pair is

B_{2} O_{3}

and

Si O_{2}

JEE Main · 2021 · 26 Feb 2021 · Shift 2 · Single correct option

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