Amphoteric
Amphoteric describes something made of two components, or acting like two different components.
In chemistry, it means a substance that can act as either acid or base. An example is amino acids and water. Similar many metals, such as zinc, tin, aluminium or beryllium.
E.g. Zinc-oxide ZnO reacts differently depending on the pH of the solution:
In acids:
- ZnO + 2H+ --> Zn2+ + H2O
In bases:
- ZnO + H2O + 2OH- --> [Zn(OH)4]2-
This effect can be used to separate different cations, such as zinc from manganese.
See also:
Referenced By
Amphipathic | Amphiphilic
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