amphoteric oxide

An amphoteric oxide is a type of chemical compound that can behave both as an acid and a base, depending on the situation. This means it can react with acids to produce salts and water, and also react with bases to form other compounds. For example, aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) can accept hydrogen ions like a base or donate them like an acid. This dual behavior makes amphoteric oxides unique and important in chemistry, especially in processes where reactions need to adapt based on the chemicals involved.