Basic Oxide

Name:
Basic Oxide
Detailed information:
An oxide that is a base or that forms a hydroxide when combined with water and/or that will neutralize acidic substances. Basic oxides are all metallic oxides, but there is a great variation in the degree of basicity. Some basic oxides, such as those of sodium, calcium, and magnesium, combine with water vigorously or with relative ease and also neutralize all acidic substances rapidly and completely. The oxides of the heavy metals are only weakly basic, do not dissolve or react with water to any extent, and neutralize only the more strongly acidic substances. There is a gradual transition from basic to acidic oxides, and certain oxides, such as aluminum oxide, show both acidic and basic properties.See Base.