Which one of the following oxides is a neutral oxide ?

Oxides are classified based on their chemical behavior into acidic, basic, amphoteric, and neutral categories. Metal oxides, such as Sodium oxide (Na2O) and Magnesium oxide (MgO), are generally basic in nature as they react with acids to form salt and water [3]. Non-metal oxides are typically acidic; for instance, Carbon dioxide (CO2) reacts with bases like calcium hydroxide in a neutralization reaction, forming salt and water [2]. However, certain non-metal oxides do not exhibit either acidic or basic properties and do not form salts when reacted with acids or bases [3]. These are termed neutral oxides. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a classic example of a neutral oxide, along with nitrous oxide (N2O) and nitric oxide (NO) [3]. Therefore, while CO2 is acidic, CO is neutral.

Sources

1. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Metals and Non-metals > Activity 3.9 > p. 41
2. [3] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Metals and Non-metals > What you have learnt > p. 55
3. [2] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Acids, Bases and Salts > 2.1.6 Reaction of a Non-metallic Oxide with Base > p. 22