amphoteric

amphoteric

 [am″fo-ter´ik]

capable of acting as both an acid and a base; capable of neutralizing either bases or acids.

am·pho·ter·ic

(am'fō-tār'ik),

Having two opposite characteristics, especially having the capacity of reacting as either an acid or a base; for example, Al(OH)₃ Ξ H₃AlO₃ or an amino acid.

[G. amphoteroi (pl.), both, fr. amphō, both]

amphoteric

/am·pho·ter·ic/ (am″fo-ter´ik) having opposite characters; capable of acting as both an acid and a base; capable of neutralizing either bases or acids.

amphoteric

See amphoterism.

am·pho·ter·ic

(am-fŏ-ter'ik)

Having two opposite characteristics, especially having the capacity of reacting as either an acid or a base.

[G. amphoteroi (pl.), both, fr. amphō, both]

amphoteric

(of chemicals) capable of acting either as bases or acids. Amino acids and some metal oxides (such as zinc) are amphoteric. The amphoteric nature of amino acids is important to the structure and function of proteins which are made from them. In addition, it affects the separation of amino acids by ELECTROPHORESIS.

amphoteric

capable of acting as both an acid and a base; capable of neutralizing either bases or acids.

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amphoteric sanitizing agents

long chain substituted amino acids or betaines, compatible with other detergents, sanitizers and hard water. Called also ampholytes.