Metal Oxides and Non-metal Oxides~

[chaser0]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Hey guys, I was wondering if someone could help me understand the distinction between metal/non-metal oxides.

BR indicates that All metal oxides are bases, and All non-metal oxides are acids.

I understand non-metal oxides
SO2 is a Lewis Base because when it is hydrated:
SO2+ H2O = HSO3 + (H+)
I understand this because it results in a free proton.


But I don't quite understand metal oxides:
CaO is a Lewis Base, but
CaO + H2O = Ca(OH)2 + (H+)
How is CaO considered a base when it releases a free Proton?


I understand that the metal hydroxide Ca(OH)2 is a base. But it seems that the metal oxide CaO is Lewis Acid?

 

[Temperature101]

Hey guys, I was wondering if someone could help me understand the distinction between metal/non-metal oxides.

BR indicates that All metal oxides are bases, and All non-metal oxides are acids.

I understand non-metal oxides
SO2 is a Lewis Base because when it is hydrated:
SO2+ H2O = HSO3 + (H+)
I understand this because it results in a free proton.


But I don't quite understand metal oxides:
CaO is a Lewis Base, but
CaO + H2O = Ca(OH)2 + (H+)
How is CaO considered a base when it releases a free Proton?


I understand that the metal hydroxide Ca(OH)2 is a base. But it seems that the metal oxide CaO is Lewis Acid?

I am not too sure that second equation release a proton...I think it should be: CaO + H2O-------> Ca(OH)2 only..since CaO is a lewis base( electron pair donor).

 

[ipodtouch]

.Yeah, I think you may be just miscounting the molecules.

CaO +H2O ------> Ca(OH)2

no molecules are left out