Question

$Pb{{O}_{2}}$ is:
(A) basic
(B) acidic
(C) neutral
(D) amphoteric

Answer 1

Hint: The properties of $Pb{{O}_{2}}$ will help us determine the type of compound it is. All the given options need to be analysed when we see the properties of $Pb{{O}_{2}}$.
Generally, any compound can be a part of any of the property which determines its pH properties i.e. acidic, basic, neutral or amphoteric.

Complete answer:
Let us see about the given metal oxide i.e. $Pb{{O}_{2}}$ in brief;
$Pb{{O}_{2}}$-
It is an organic compound with IUPAC name as lead (IV) oxide. It is an oxide, dark-brown in colour.
We have to determine the nature of $Pb{{O}_{2}}$ thus, analyse every given choice;
1. Basic:
An oxide is said to be basic when it reacts with an acid to give salt and water as the product.
For $Pb{{O}_{2}}$,
The reaction of $Pb{{O}_{2}}$ with hydrochloric acid yields the salt and water as products;
\[Pb{{O}_{2}}+4HCl\to 2{{H}_{2}}O+PbC{{l}_{4}}\]
So, it can be called basic.
2. Acidic:
An oxide is said to be acidic when it reacts with the base to give salt and water as the product.
For $Pb{{O}_{2}}$,
The reaction of $Pb{{O}_{2}}$ with sodium hydroxide yields the salt and water as products;
\[Pb{{O}_{2}}+2NaOH\to N{{a}_{2}}Pb{{O}_{3}}+{{H}_{2}}O\]
So, it can be called acidic.
3. Neutral
An oxide is said to be neutral if it neither reacts with an acid or a base.
For $Pb{{O}_{2}}$,
As, $Pb{{O}_{2}}$ reacts with both acid and base, it cannot be neutral in nature.
4. Amphoteric
An oxide is said to be amphoteric if it reacts with both acid and base to give products as salt and water.
For $Pb{{O}_{2}}$,
As, $Pb{{O}_{2}}$ reacts with both acid and base to give salt and water as the product. Thus, it is amphoteric in nature.

Therefore, option (D) is correct.

Note:
Do note to check every possible way, because $Pb{{O}_{2}}$ can also be acidic or basic but we need to analyse both as it is an exception to be called as amphoteric in nature.