Which of the following oxides is most acidic in nature ?

Question

Reaction of \(BeCl_2\) with \(LiAlH_4\)gives :

Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

Answer 1

The question asks us to identify the most acidic oxide from the given options. Let's analyze each option to determine which oxide is the most acidic.

Nature of Metal Oxides:
- Oxides of metals generally show basic characteristics, but certain metal oxides, especially those of non-metals or metalloids, can be acidic or amphoteric.
Analyzing the Options:
- MgO (Magnesium oxide): As a metal oxide, magnesium oxide is basic.
- BaO (Barium oxide): This is another metal oxide. Similar to MgO, barium oxide displays basic properties.
- BeO (Beryllium oxide): Although it's also a metal oxide, beryllium oxide is unique because it is amphoteric. It can react with both acids and bases, showcasing its acidic tendencies compared to typical basic metal oxides.
- CaO (Calcium oxide): Commonly known as quicklime, this is a basic oxide due to its strong reaction with water to form a base (Ca(OH)₂).
Conclusion:
- Among the given options, BeO behaves as an amphoteric substance. While it is not purely acidic, its ability to behave both as an acid and a base makes it the most acidic compared to the clearly basic MgO, BaO, and CaO.

Therefore, the most acidic oxide is BeO (Beryllium oxide).

Answer 2

The question asks us to identify the most acidic oxide from the given options. Let's analyze each option to determine which oxide is the most acidic.

Nature of Metal Oxides:
- Oxides of metals generally show basic characteristics, but certain metal oxides, especially those of non-metals or metalloids, can be acidic or amphoteric.
Analyzing the Options:
- MgO (Magnesium oxide): As a metal oxide, magnesium oxide is basic.
- BaO (Barium oxide): This is another metal oxide. Similar to MgO, barium oxide displays basic properties.
- BeO (Beryllium oxide): Although it's also a metal oxide, beryllium oxide is unique because it is amphoteric. It can react with both acids and bases, showcasing its acidic tendencies compared to typical basic metal oxides.
- CaO (Calcium oxide): Commonly known as quicklime, this is a basic oxide due to its strong reaction with water to form a base (Ca(OH)₂).
Conclusion:
- Among the given options, BeO behaves as an amphoteric substance. While it is not purely acidic, its ability to behave both as an acid and a base makes it the most acidic compared to the clearly basic MgO, BaO, and CaO.

Therefore, the most acidic oxide is BeO (Beryllium oxide).

The Correct Option is C