Definition of amphoteric in English:
amphoteric
adjectiveˌamfəˈtɛrɪkˌamfəˈterik
Chemistry (of a compound, especially a metal oxide or hydroxide) able to react both as a base and as an acid.
Example sentencesExamples
- Proteins can also be amphoteric compounds - a compound that can take on a negative or positive charge depending on the surrounding conditions.
- Finally, amphoteric detergents have either a positively or negatively charged ion, depending on the pH of the system they are incorporated into.
- Amino acids are amphoteric organic acids that are able to biochemically react with both acids or bases.
- The isolation of morphine from opium takes advantage of the amphoteric nature of the alkaloid, since morphine is a phenolic amine.
- The presence of both of these ions makes water an amphoteric substance.
Origin
Mid 19th century: from Greek amphoteros, comparative of amphō 'both', + -ic.