The Most Acidic Oxide Among the Following is A) N2o5 B) P2o5 C) NO2 D) N2o4

Acidic oxide is defined as an oxide that forms an acidic solution when dissolved in water.

The acidic nature of the oxide is also determined by the oxidation number of the central atom. The higher the oxidation number.

Let’s calculate the oxidation number of central atom in the given oxides;

(a)

N₂O₅

2(x) + 5(-2) = 0

2x – 10 = 0

x = +5

The oxidation of nitrogen is  +5.

(b)

P₂O₅

2(x) + 5 (-2) = 0

2x -10 = 0

x = +5

The oxidation of phosphorus is  +5.

(c)

NO₂

x + 2(-2) = 0

x – 4 = 0

x = +4

The oxidation of nitrogen is  +4.

(d)

N₂O₄

2(x) + 4(-2) = 0

2x – 8 = 0

x = +4

The oxidation of nitrogen is  +4.

N₂O₅ and   P₂O₅ have the same central atom and have the same oxidation state.  But Nitrogen atoms are more electronegative than phosphorus.

Therefore, N₂O₅ oxide is most acidic.2