Chemical Forums
Chemistry Forums for Students => High School Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: xstrae on November 10, 2006, 02:18:32 PM
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Hi, This might sound really basic but my teacher and myself had a long discussion on this. So I thought I will get your opinion on it.
Why is Zn(OH)2 amphoteric while NaOH is basic?
thanks.
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Because Zn(OH)2 can either release the OH--ions and form Zn2+(aq) + OH-(aq), or take OH- from the solution forming a complex: Zn[(OH)4]2-
In acids, it will react following the first hence increasing the pH, in bases it will follow the 2nd, hence lowering the pH
NaOH will not form complexes, so can only react as a base.