4.3.2 Basic Nature of Metal Oxides

Last updated at April 25, 2026 by

What is Basic Nature of Metal Oxides?

It is the chemical property where metal oxides turn red litmus blue and form basic solutions .

Key Facts and Examples
  • Metal oxides are generally basic in nature when dissolved.
Example: Magnesium oxide solution turns red litmus paper blue
  • Basic solutions have pH greater than 7 and taste bitter .
Example: Soap solution, baking soda solution are basic
  • Metal oxides neutralize acids to form salt and water .
Example: Magnesium oxide + acid → salt + water
  • Red litmus turns blue in basic metal oxide solutions.
Example: Testing magnesium oxide solution with red litmus paper
Metal vs Non-metal Oxides Property Metal Oxides Non-metal Oxides Nature Basic Acidic Litmus test Red → Blue Blue → Red pH value Greater than 7 Less than 7 Example Magnesium oxide Sulphur dioxide
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