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Question:

Which of the following is the most basic oxide?

Bi2O3

SeO2

Sb2O3

Al2O3

Solution:

Bi2O3 is the most basic oxide. The more the oxidation state of the central metal atom, the more its acidity. Hence, SeO2 (O.S of Se = +4) is acidic. Further, for a given oxidation state, the basic character of the oxides increases with increasing size of the central atom. Thus, Al2O3 and Sb2O3 are amphoteric and Bi2O3 is basic.