Identify the most acidic oxide among the following oxides based on their reaction.
Identify the most acidic oxide among the following oxides based on their reaction.
$SO_3$
$P_4O_{10}$
$Cl_2O_7$
$N_2O_5$
Solution
As we move from left to right within a period, the acidic character increases. As we move down a group, the acidic character decreases. Order of acidic strength:
$\mathrm{SO}_3 < \mathrm{P}_4 \mathrm{O}_{10} < \mathrm{N}_2 \mathrm{O}_5 < \mathrm{Cl}_2 \mathrm{O}_7$