Amphoteric compounds, their properties.

An amphoteric compound is a compound that can act as both an acid and a base. Certain metal oxides or metal hydroxides such as alumina (Al2O3) show amphotericity.

Acids transfer protons (or accept electron pairs) and bases accept protons. Amphoteric substances can also do.

Take water, for example. We know that water is usually considered a neutral substance. For example, if water reacts with a base like ammonia, then it will act as an acid, transferring a positively charged particle in the form of a hydrogen ion and ammonia to the proton. However, if water is in contact with an acid such as hydrochloric acid, it will act as a base, producing a proton as a hydrogen ion from hydrochloric acid.