s-Block Elements

s-Block Elements:
The elements in which the last electron enters in the outermost s-orbital are called s-block elements. As the s-
subshell can only have two electrons, therefore there are two groups in s-Block.

Flame Test
The alkali metals and alkaline earth metals and their salts gives characteristic color to an oxidizing
flame.
Reason :
This is because the heat energy from the flame can excite the valance electron(outermost electron)
from the lower energy level to the higher energy level. When the electron come back to the ground
state, it emits energy in the form of colors.
But Beryllium (Be) and Magnesium(Mg) do not impart any colour in flame because the electrons in Be
and Mg are too strongly bounded to nucleus (due to small size and greater nuclear charge) to get
excited by flame.

Metal Li Na K Rb Cs

Colour Crimson red Yellow Violet / Lilac Red violet Blue

Metal Be Mg Ca Sr Ba

Colour No colour No colour Brick red Crimson red Apple green

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s-Block Elements

Group – 1st(IA) Elements : (Alkali Metals)

Atomic and Physical properties of the Alkali metals

*ppm (part per million), ** Percentage by weight

Group IIA Elements (Alkaline Earth Metals)

Properties of Alkali and Alkaline earth metals

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s-Block Elements

S.No. Atomic Properties Alkali metal Alkaline earth metals

1. Outer ns 1
ns2
Electronic
configuration
2. Oxidation (i)These elements can The first ionization energy of these metals
number and easily form univalent +ve are much greater than second ionization
valency ion by losing valance energy because of higher effective nuclear
electron ns1 electron due charge and small atomic size and therefore,
to low Ionization Energy. these forms bivalent ion rather than
univalent ions.
3. Atomic and Atomic size increases as The atomic and ionic radii of the alkali
Ionic radii we move down the group, earth metal are smaller as compared to
because the effective alkali metals.
nuclear charge is Reason:
decreasing down the The effective nuclear charge is higher for
group .The increasing alkaline earth metals as compared to alkali
Order of atomic size is: metals (Zeff) as the electrons added in same
Li < Na < K < Rb < Cs. shell as we move from left to right but the
nuclear charge increases by +1 unit.
On moving down the group the size of
alkaline earth metals increase, because the
effective nuclear charge is decreasing down
the group < Mg < Ca < Sr < Ba
4. Ionization As moving down to group Down the group ionization energy (I.E.)
Energy the new electron is added decreases due to increase in size and
in the new orbit(shell) as decrease in effective nuclear charge.
a result the effective Be > Mg > Ca > Sr > Ba
nuclear charge si  First Ionization Energy (IE1) of
decreasing hence, the Alkali metal is lesser than the First
Ionization energy Ionization Energy (IE1) of Alkaline
decreases down the group earth metal
(so Cs have lowest  Second Ionization Energy ( IE2) of
Ionization Potential) Alkali metal is higher than the
Decreasing Order of Second Ionization Energy ( IE2) of
ionization energy is: Alkaline earth metal
Li > Na > K > Rb > Cs Reason
First Ionization Energy (IE1) of Alkaline
earth metal is high due to higher effective
nuclear charge of Alkaline earth metal as
compared to Alkali metal but Second
Ionization Energy (IE2) of Alkali metal is
high because after removal of one electron
of one electron in alkali metal they acquire
the noble gas configuration.
e.g.
Na ---------> Na+ + 1e-
1s ,2s ,2p ,3s
2 2 6 1
1s ,2s ,2p
2 2 6

[ Noble gas configuration]

5. Electropositive Alkali metals are highly Alkaline earth metals are less
character or electropositive and electropositive as compared to alkali metals

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s-Block Elements

Metallic possesses metallic because their ionization energy is quite

character character. Electropositive high as compared to alkali metals.
or metallic character is
the tendency of the metal Down the group electropositive or the
to lose the valence metallic nature increases because the
electron. ionization energy is decreasing and
Down the group removal of electron becomes very easy.
electropositive or the Increasing order of ionization energy is:
metallic nature increases Be < Mg < Ca < Sr < Ba
because the ionization
energy is decreasing and
removal of electron
becomes very easy.
i.e. M M+ + e–
Decreasing order of
metallic character of
metals:
Li < Na < K < Rb < Cs.
6. Hydration of (i) Hydration of ions Decreasing order of Hydration energy of
ions means the ions are group 2 :
attracting the water Be2+ > Mg2+ > Ca2+ > Sr2+ >Ba2+
molecules on dissolution
with water.

(ii) The hydration energy

is the amount energy
released when one mole
of ions undergoes
hydration.

(iii) The hydration energy

depends on following
factors:
 Size of ion:
Smaller the size of
ion higher will be
the hydration
energy.
 Charge of ion:
Higher the charge
of ions , greater
will be the
hydration energy.

Decreasing order of the

hydration energy is:
Li+ > Na+ > K+ > Rb+ >Cs+
NOTE: Li+ being
smallest in size has
maximum degree of

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s-Block Elements

hydration and that is why

lithium salts are hydrated
and moves very slowly
under the influence of
electric field.
e.g : LiCl.2H2O.
7. Photoelectric The phenomenon of Alkaline earth metals also shows the
effect ejection of electrons when photoelectric effect as the electrons can be
light strikes on the metal easily ejected from the metallic surface ,
surface is called but Be and Mg has highest ionization
photoelectric effect. energy, hence these will not show
Alkali metals have low photoelectric effect.
ionization energy so they
show photoelectric effect.
NOTE:
Cs and K are used in
Photoelectric cells.
8. Electronegativ (i)These metals are highly (i) Their electronegativity values are also
ity electropositive and hence small but are higher than that of alkali
do not show metals
electronegative behavior. (ii) Electronegativity decreases from Be to
(ii)Electronegativity of Ba
alkali metals decrease
down the group.
Order :
Li > Na > K > Rb > Cs

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s-Block Elements

S.No. Physical Property Alkali metal Alkaline earth metals

1. Density (i)Alkali metals are light (i) Alkaline earth are more denser than
means they are less dense. the alkali metals.
(ii) The density increases (ii) Density decrease moderately up to
down the group but K is Ca after which it increases.
lighter than Na. (iii) Density of Mg is greater than Ca.
Decreasing Order:
Li < K < Na < Rb < Cs
2. Hardness (i) Alkali metals are silvery Alkaline earth metals are relatively soft
white metals. but they are harder than group 1 alkali
(ii) Alkali metals are light, metals.
lustrous, malleable and
ductile metals.
The cutting of
sodium metal (iii) Alkali metals are
diamagnetic and colorless in
form of ions.
(iv) These metals are very
soft and can be cut with a
knife.
NOTE:
Lithium is harder than any
other alkali metal.
3. Melting points/ (i)The Lattice energy The Melting and Boiling points of
Boiling points decreases from Li to Cs and alkaline earth metals is low but it is
thus Melting points and higher than that of alkali metals group
Boiling points also decrease I.
from Li to Cs. Reason:
Lattice energy depends on: Alkali metals have two electrons in the
 Magnitude of charges: outermost shell which can participate
Lattice energy in metallic bonding but the alkali
increases as the metals have only one electron in the
charge of ion outermost shell. As a result, group II
increases. elements(alkaline earth metals) are
 Size of cation and quite harder and so, have much higher
anion (Radius of ions): Melting points / Boiling points than
Lattice energy is Alkali metal .
inversely proportional Decreasing order of M.P.
to radius of ion as the Be > Ca > Sr >Ba > Mg ,
distance between the
nuclei of ions Decreasing order of boiling point:
increases ,thus the Be > Ba > Ca > Sr > Mg
attraction between
them decreases and
hence less lattice
energy will release.
Decreasing order of melting
point:
Li > Na > K > Rb > Cs
Decreasing order of boiling
point:
Li > Na > K > Rb > Cs

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s-Block Elements

S.No Chemical Alkali metals Alkaline earth metals

. Property
1. Action with (i) They generally form oxides (i) Be and Mg are inert towards oxygen
O2 and N2
and peroxides. because of the formation of a layer of oxide
M+O2  M2O (Oxide) on their surface.
M2O O
2 M2O2 (Peroxide) 2Be + O2 (air) 

2BeO(amphoteric) ;
; Where M is alkali metal. 3Be + N2 (air) 
Be3N2
(ii) Mg is more electropositive and burns
The alkali metals can easily react with the with dazzling brilliance in air give MgO
oxygen present in air and can form layer and Mg3N2.
of oxides on their surface. Mg + O2 (air)  
MgO
4M + O2  2M2O [M= Alkali metal]. Mg + N2(air)  Mg3N2


Peroxides are colored due to lattice defect.

Alkali metals react vigorously in oxygen
present in air and forms following oxides. (Similar property with Li because both
4 Li + O2  2 Li2O (Monoxide) shows diagonal relation.)
2 Na + O2  Na2O2 (Peroxide) (iii) Ba gives BaO2 not BaO.
M + O2  MO2 ( Superoxide) (iv) Calcium, strontium and barium are
where M = K, Rb, Cs strongly attacked by air to form the oxide
and nitride.
Principal Combustion Product (Minor They also react water to form hydroxides.
Product) (v) BeO, MgO have high M.P so refractory,
Met Oxi Peroxi Superoxide (vi) Other metals (Ba or Sr form peroxide)
al de de M + O2 
MO2
Li Li2O (Li2O2)
Na (Na2 Na2O2
O)
K KO2(Orange/
Yellow
Crystalline)
Rb RbO2
(Orange/Yellow
Crystalline)
Cs CsO2
(Orange/Yellow
Crystalline)
The oxides and peroxides are colourless
when pure.
(ii) Mostly all superoxide are
paramagnetic in nature and the peroxides
are diamagnetic.
(iii) The stability of the peroxide or
superoxide increases with increase in the
size of the metal ion because the large
anions can easily stabilize the larger
cations as the lattice energy will be high.
(iv) Since all the alkali metals are very
reactive towards air
That’s why these metals(Na, K) are kept
in kerosene oil. Reactivity increases from
Li to Cs.
(v) Only Lithium reacts with N2 (at room
temperature) to form ionic lithium nitride
Li3N because Li is strongest reducing
agent which can converts N2 (nitrogen)
into N3– (nitride).

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s-Block Elements

3Li + 1/2N2  Li3N

2. (i) Alkali metals decompose water to (i) Ca , Sr , Ba and Ra decompose cold
form the hydroxides having the formula water readily with evolution of
MOH and dihydrogen (H2). hydrogen.
2M + 2H2O  2MOH (aq.) + H 2 (g) M + 2H2O  M(OH) 2 + H2
(M = An alkali metal). (ii) Magnesium decomposes on reacting
(ii) Li reacts slowly with water, Na reacts with boiling water but Be do not react even
with water quickly but K, Rb and Cs react with boiling water because it is having very
with water vigorously. low oxidation potential.
(iii) It may be noted that although lithium
has most negative E value, its reaction
with water is less vigorous than that of
sodium which has the least negative E
value among the alkali metals. This
behavior of lithium is attributed to:
 small size
 very high hydration energy.

Action Metals of the group reacts explosively

with with water.
water
Prope Alkali metals
rty Li Na K R C F
b s r
Stand
ard
potent
– 2.714

– 2.925

– 2.930

– 2.927
– 3.04

ials
–

E/V
for
(M+/
M)

(iv) They also react with proton donors

such as alcohol, gaseous ammonia and
terminal alkynes evolution of hydrogen.
2M + 2C2H5OH  2C2H5OM + H2
Ethyl alcohol Metal ethoxide
3. 1. Alkali metals react with (i) Except Be, all alkaline earth metals form
Hydrogen gas and forms metal hydrides (MH2) on heating directly with
hydride with formula MH the H2.
metal hydrides having ionic (ii)The stability of hydrides decreases from
nature. Be to Ra.
2. The Stability of hydride decreases (iii) BeH2 is prepared by the action of
down the group as the LiAlH4 on BeCl2.
electropositive character BeCl2 +LiAlH4 — 2BeH2 + LiCl+ AlCl3
Hydrides decreases from Cs to Li. BeH2 & MgH2 is covalent and polymeric
3. 2M + H2  2MH but other are ionic.
4. The metal hydrides react with
water to give MOH and H2.
(act as reducing agent)
MH + H2O  MOH + H2
(iv) The ionic hydrides of Ca, Sr, Ba
liberate H2 at anode and metal at cathode.
4. Halides (i)The alkali metals reacts vigorously with (i)The alkaline earth metals directly

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s-Block Elements

halogens to form ionic halides M+X– . combine with halogens on heating to give
2M + X2 ------>2 M+X– metal halides MX2 (X=F,Cl,Br,I)
(ii) Alkali metals reacts with (Cl 2, Br2, I2) (ii) Thermal decomposition of (NH4)2BeF4
to form halides. The reactivity order of is the best route for the preparation of BeF 2,
halides increases from Li to Cs due to and BeCl2 is conveniently made from the
increase in electropositive character. oxide.
The decreasing order of reactivity towards BeO + C + Cl BeCl2 + CO
Fluorine is as follows: Anhydrous beryllium halide can not be
Li > Na > K > Rb > Cs obtained from materials made in aqueous
(iii) LiX has more covalent character (It is solution because the hydrated ions
because of the high polarisation capability [Be(H2O)4]2+ is formed. i.e. [Be(H2O)4]Cl2
of Lithium ion (fajan’s rules)).
On dehydration, hydrolysis takes place.
(iv)Halides having ionic nature have high
melting point and are good conductor of [Be(H2O)4]Cl2 Be(OH)2 + 2HCl
current in fused state. These are readily (iii) Except for beryllium halides, all other
soluble in water. halides of alkaline earth metals are ionic in
(v) Halides of potassium, rubidium and nature. Beryllium halides are essentially
ceasium have property of combining with covalent and soluble in organic solvents.
extra halogen atoms forming polyhalides. Beryllium chloride has a chain structure in
KI + I2  KI3 the solid state as shown below:
Cl–Be–Cl

Cl Cl
Be Be Be
Cl
Cl
In the vapour phase BeCl2 tends to form a
chloro-bridged dimer which dissociates into
the linear monomer at high temperatures of
the order of 1200 K.

(iv)The ionic character of halides increases

from Be to Ra.
(v)Beryllium halides have covalent
character due to small size and high
effective nuclear charge and thus do not
conduct electricity in molten state.
(vi) The fluorides are relatively less soluble
than the chlorides owing to their high lattice
energies.
(vii)The decreases in solubility of halides
down the group is due to decrease in
hydration energy because of increasing size
of metal cation .
(viii) The tendency to form halide hydrates
gradually decreases (for example,
MgCl2·6H2O, CaCl2·6H2O, SrCl2·6H2O and
BaCl2·2H2O) down the group. The
dehydration of hydrated chlorides, bromides
and iodides of Ca, Sr and Ba can be
achieved on heating; however, the
corresponding hydrated halides of Be and
Mg on heating suffer hydrolysis.
(ix) CaCl2 has strong affinity with water
and is used as dehydrating agent.

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s-Block Elements
5. Property Alkali metals The alkaline earth metals are strong reducing agents.
Li Na K Rb Cs Fr
Standard
This is indicated by large negative values of their
potentials reduction potentials (below table). However their

– 2.714

– 2.925

– 2.930

– 2.927
– 3.04
E/V for reducing power is less than those of their

–
(M+/M)
corresponding alkali metals. Beryllium has less
negative value compared to other alkaline earth
(i) Reducing agent is electron donor. The alkali metals.
metals are strong reducing agents, lithium being the
However, its reducing nature is due to large hydration
most and sodium the least powerful (above table).
Reducing The standard electrode potential (E) which ion and
energy associated with the small size of Be 2+
nature measures the reducing power represents the overall relatively large value of the atomization
(*need change :
M(s)  M(g) Sublimation enthalpy
enthalpy of the metal.
not to
M(g)  Property Alkaline earth metals
 M (g) + e Ionization enthalpy
+ –
memoris Be Mg Ca Sr Ba Ra
M (g) + H2O  M (aq) Hydration enthalpy
+ +
e) Standard
(ii) Lithium is expected to be least reducing agent potentials
due to it's very high I.E. However, lithium has the E/V for
highest hydration enthalpy which accounts for its (M+/M)
high negative E value and its high reducing power.
Reducing Nature in gas phase
= Li < Na < K < Rb < Cs.
Reducing Nature in aqueous condition
= Li > Cs > Rb > K > Na.
6. (i) These oxides are easily hydrolysed by water to Basic/thermal stability
form the hydroxides. = Be(OH)2<Mg(OH) 2< Ca(OH) 2< Sr(OH) 2 <Ba(OH) 2
Thus M2O (oxide) + H2O 
M2O2 (peroxide) + H2O 
 2 +H2O2
MO2 (superoxide) + H2O  2
Basic
+H2O2+O2
nature of
(ii) The Hydroxide which are obtained by the reaction
hydroxide
of the oxide. With water all are white crystalline
solids. The alkali metal hydroxides are the strongest
of all bases and dissolve freely in water with
evolution of much heat an account of intense
hydration.
Basic nature/Solubility in water/Thermal stability
= LiOH < NaOH < KOH < RbOH < CsOH
7. Carbonates (i) The carbonates (M2CO3) and bicarbonates (i) All these metal carbonates MCO3 are insoluble in
and (MHCO3) are highly stable to heat, where M as alkali neutral medium but soluble in acids and decompose
bicarbonates metals. on red heating.
(ii) Group 1 metals are so strongly basic, they (ii) The stability of carbonates increases with increase
(except lithium) also form solid bicarbonates. No in electropositive character of metal.
other metals form solid bicarbonates. Lithium BeCO3 < MgCO3 < CaCO3 < SrCO3 < BaCO3
carbonate is not so stable to heat. Its (iii) Bicarbonates of alkaline earth metals do not exist
hydrogencarbonate does not exist as a solid. in solid state but are known in solution only on heating
Although NH4HCO3 also exists as a solid. their solution bicarbonates decomposed to liberate CO2
(iii) The stability of these salts increases with the .
increasing electropositive character from Li to Cs. It 
is therefore Li2CO3 decompose on heating. M(HCO3)2  MCO3+CO2 + H2O
Thermal stability/Solubility in water. (Solution)
Li2CO3 < Na2CO3 < K2CO3 < Rb2CO3 < Cs2CO3 (iv)Solubility of carbonates decrease on moving down
LiHCO3 does not exist in solid form due to high the group.
polarizing power of Li+ and uncomparable size of Li+ BeCO3 > MgCO3 > CaCO3 > SrCO3 > BaCO3
cation and HCO3– anion.

Li2CO3  Li2O + CO2

(iv) Bicarbonates are decomposed at relatively low

temperature.
3000 C
2MHCO3  M2CO3 + H2O+ CO2
(v) Hydrolysis of carbonate
Na2CO3 + 2H2O  2NaOH + H2CO3
Li2CO3 + 2H2O  sparingly soluble
(vi) The crystal structures of NaHCO3 and KHCO3
both show hydrogen bonding, but are different.
(a) In NaHCO3, the HCO3– ions are linked into an
infinite chain.
(b) in KHCO3, RbHCO3, CsHCO3, HCO3– forms a
dimeric anion.
Solubility in water NaHCO3 < KHCO3 < RbHCO3 <

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s-Block Elements
CsHCO3

(a)

(b)

8. (i) A metal shows complex formation only when it Be2+ on account of smaller size forms many complexes
has following characteristics. such as [Be F3]–, [BeF4]2–
(a) Small size, (b) High nuclear charge, (c) Presence Chlorophyll contains Mg2+ [Photosynthetic pigment in
Complex
of empty orbitals in order to accept electron pair plants] (C.No.= 4)
ion
from ligand (electron pair donor species).
formation [Be(H2O)4]2+ + H2O [Be(H2O)3OH]+ + H3O+
(ii) Due to small size only Lithium in alkali metals,
forms a few complex ions. Rest all alkali metals do
not possess the tendency to form complex ion.
Reacts vigorously with acids The alkaline earth metals readily react with acids
9. Reaction liberated dihydrogen.
with acids 2M + H2SO4  M2SO4 + H2
M + 2HCl   MCl2 + H2
(i) Alkali metals get dissolved in mercury to form Alkaline earth metals get dissolved in mercury to form
Formation amalgams with evolution of heat and the amalgams with evolution of heat and the
10. of amalgamation is highly exothermic. amalgamation is highly exothermic.
amalgams (ii) Alkali metals form alloys themselves as well as
with other metals.
(i) All these form sulphates of type M2SO4. (i) MSO4 type sulphates are formed
11. (ii) Except Li2SO4 rest all are soluble in water. (ii)The solubility of sulphates decreases on moving
Thermal stability /solubility in water down the group. The sulphates of the alkaline earth
Li2SO4 < Na2SO4 < K2SO4 < Rb2SO4 < Cs2SO4 metals are all white solids and stable to heat. BeSO 4,
(iii)These sulphates on fusing with carbon form and MgSO4 are readily soluble in water; the solubility
sulphides. decreases from CaSO4 to BaSO4. The greater
M2SO4 + 4C  M2S + 4CO hydration enthalpies of Be2+ and Mg2+ ions overcome
Sulphates the lattice enthalpy factor and therefore their sulphates
are soluble in water.
Thermal stability
BeSO4 < MgSO4 < CaSO4 < SrSO4 < BaSO4
Solubility in water
BeSO4 > MgSO4 > CaSO4 > SrSO4 > BaSO4
(iii) MSO4 + 2C  MS + 2CO2
12. Sulphides All metals react with S forming sulphides such as
Na2S and Na2Sn (n = 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6). The M2+ + S2-  MS
polysulphide ions are made from zig-zag chains of
sulphur atoms.
13. (i) Nitrates of both are soluble in water and On heating they decompose into their corresponding
decompose on heating. oxides with evolution of a mixture of nitrogen dioxide
(ii) LiNO3 decomposes to give NO2 and O2 and rest and oxygen.
all give nitrites and oxygen.
M(NO3)2   MO + 2NO2 + ½O2
2MNO3  2MNO2 +O2 (except Li) (M = Be, Mg , Cr, Sr, Ba)
Nitrates 4LiNO3  2Li2O + 4NO2 + O2

2NaNO3 2NaNO2 + O2

2NaNO3 Na2O + N2 + N2 + O2

2NaNO3 Na2O + N2 + O2
14. Li3N + 3H2O 3LiOH + NH3  Be3N2 + 6H2O  3Be(OH)2 + 2NH3 
Nitride
Mg3N2 + 6H2O  3Mg(OH)2 + 2NH3 
When Li is heated with carbon, an ionic carbide Li2C2 The binary compounds of carbon with other elements
15. Carbide is formed. (less electronegative or of similar electronegativity)
2Li + 2C Li2C2 are called carbides. They are classified into following 3
categories :
Other metals do not react with carbon directly but (i) Ionic (ii) Covalent (iii) Interstitial (or metallic)
form carbides when heated with ethyne, or when (i) Ionic carbides (or salt like carbides) : Generally
ethyne is passed through a solution of metal in liquid formed by the most electropositive elements such as
ammonia. alkali and alkaline earth metals and aluminium (Boron
Na + C2H2 NaH + C2 Na2C2 is exception). Based on the product obtained on
hydrolysis, they are further sub-classified into three
[CC–H] –
[CC]2–

types.

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s-Block Elements

Na2C2 + 2H2O NaOH + C2H2 (a) Methanides : These give CH4 on reaction with
H2O.
Al4C3 + 12H2O 4Al(OH)3 + 3CH4 ;

Be2C + 4H2O 2Be(OH)2 + CH4

These carbides contain C4– ions in their constitution.
(b) Acetylides : These give C2H2 on reaction with
H2O.
CaC2 + 2H2O Ca (OH) 2 + C2H2

Al2 (C2)3 + 6H2O 2Al (OH)3 + 3C2H2

SrC2 + 2H2O Sr (OH) 2 + C2H2

Such compounds contain C22– ions.
(c) Allylides : These give 1-propyne on reaction with
H2O.
Mg2C3 + 4H2O 2Mg (OH)2 + CH3–CCH
..
Such compounds contain C34– [: C – C  C :] 4 ions.
..

Covalent carbides
Molecules like SiC and B4C are also examples of
covalent carbides.

Interstitial or metallic carbides

Such carbides are formed by transition metals and
some of the lanthanides and actinides. Interstitial
carbides retain many of the properties of metals. They
conduct electricity by metallic conduction and have
properties of metals (a lusture like a metal). In these
compounds carbon atoms occupy octahedral holes in
the closed packed metal lattice. These are generally
very hard and have very high melting point (e.g. WC).
Carbides of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co and Ni are hydrolysed by
water or dilute acids.

Lattice Energy: Energy change when one mole of crystalline lattice is formed from gaseous ions

eg. 2Al3+ + 3O2- Al2O3 + L.E.

Hydration Energy: It is the energy change when gaseous ions for aqueous ions.
eg. Na+ + aq. Na+ + H.E. of Na+
SO42- + aq. SO42- + H.E. of SO42-

Solutions in liquid NH3

Alkali metals dissolve in liquid ammonia (high conc. 3 M) and give blue solution which is conducting,
reducing and paramagnetic in nature.

Reason
On dissolving Metal in NH3

M(s) + NH3()  M+(NH3) + e–(NH3)

M+ + x (NH3)  [M (NH3)X ]+  Ammoniated cation

e– + y (NH3)  [e(NH3)y ]–  Ammoniated electron

The blue colour is due to  Ammoniated electron

The paramagnetic nature is due to  Ammoniated electron

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s-Block Elements

The conducting nature is due to  Ammoniated M+ + Ammoniated electron

On standing the colour fades due to formation of amide After liberating hydrogen.

M+ + e– + NH3  MNH2 (amide) + H2 (g)

In the absence of impurities like. Fe, Pt, Zn etc, the solutions are stable.

In concentrated solution, the blue colour changes to bronze colour and diamagnetic due to the
formation of metal clusters and ammoniated electrons also associate to form electron pairs
2 e– (NH3)y  [ e– (NH3)y]2

Solutions are of much lower density than the pure solvent, i.e., they occupy for greater volume than that
expected from the sum of the volumes of metal and solvent
Peroxide and superoxides of Na & K are widely used as Oxidising agent and air purifiers in space
capsules, submarines and breathing mask.

Alkaline metal in liq. NH3

Like alkali metals, the alkaline earth metals dissolve in liquid ammonia to give deep blue black solutions forming
ammoniated ions
M + (x + y)NH3 [M(NH3)x]2+ + 2[e(NH3)y]–
From these solutions, the hexa-ammoniates [M(NH3)6]2+ can be recovered.

Uses of alkali metal

(1) Lithium metal is used to make useful alloys,
 with lead to make ‘white metal’ bearings for motor engines.
 with aluminium to make aircraft parts.
 with magnesium to make armour plates.
(2) It is used in thermonuclear reactions.
(3) Lithium is also used to make electrochemical cells.
(4) Sodium is used to make a Na/Pb alloy needed to make PbEt 4 and PbMe4. These organolead
compounds were earlier used as anti-knock additives to petrol, but nowadays vehicles use
lead-free petrol.
(5) Liquid sodium metal is used as a coolant in fast breeder nuclear reactors.
(6) Potassium chloride is used as a fertilizer.
(7) Potassium hydroxide is used in the manufacture of soft soap. It is also used as an excellent
absorbent of carbon dioxide.
(8) Caesium is used in devising photoelectric cells.

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s-Block Elements

Uses of alkaline metal

(1) Beryllium is used in the manufacture of alloys.
(2) Copper-beryllium alloys are used in the preparation of high strength springs.
(3) Metallic beryllium is used for making windows of X-ray tubes.
(4) Magnesium forms alloys with aluminium, zinc, manganese and tin. Magnesium-aluminium alloys
being light in mass are used in air-craft construction.
(5) Magnesium (powder and ribbon) is used in flash powders and bulbs, incendiary bombs and signals.
(6) A suspension of magnesium hydroxide in water (called milk of magnesia) is used as antacid in
medicine.
(7) Magnesium carbonate is an ingredient of toothpaste.
(8) Calcium is used in the extraction of metals from oxides which are difficult to reduce with carbon.
(9) Calcium and barium metals, owing to their reactivity with oxygen and nitrogen at elevated
temperatures, have often been used to remove air from vacuum tubes.
(10) Radium salts are used in radiotherapy, for example, in the treatment of cancer.
Biological Importance Of Sodium And Potassium:
 Sodium ions are found primarily on the outside of cells, being located in blood plasma and in the
interstitial fluid which surrounds the cells. These ions participiate in the transmission of nerve
signals, in regulating the flow of water across cell membranes and in the tranasport of sugars
and amino acids into cells. Sodium and potassium, although so similar chemically, differ
quantitatively in their ability to penetrate cell membranes, in their transport mechanisms and in
their efficiency to activate enzymes. Thus, potassium ions are the most aundant cations within
cell fluids, where they activate many enzymes, participate in the oxidation of glucose to produce
ATP and, with sodium, are responsible for the transmission of nerve signals
A typical 70 kg man contains about 90 g of Na and 170 g of K compared with only 5 g of iron and
0.06 g of copper.
Biological Importance of Magnesium and Calcium :
 Monovalent sodium and potassium ions and divalent magnesium and calcium ions are found
in large proportions in biological fluids. These ions perform important biological functions
such as maintenance of ion balance and nerve impulse conduction.
 All enzymes that utilise ATP in phosphate transfer require magnesium as the cofactor. The
main pigment for the absorption of light in plants is chlorophyll which contains magnesium. About
99 % of body calcium is present in bones and teeth. It also plays important roles in
neuromuscular function, interneuronal transmission, cell membrane integrity and blood
coagulation.
 The calcium concentration in plasma is regulated at about 100 mgL –1. It is maintained by two
hormones : calcitonin and parathyroid hormone. Do you know that bone is not an inert and
unchanging substance but is continuously being solubilised and redeposited to the extent of 400
mg per day in man? All this calcium passes through the plasma.
An adult body contains about 25 g of Mg and 1200 g of Ca compared with only 5 g of iron and
0.06 g of copper. The daily requirement in the human body has been estimated to be 200–300 mg.
ANOMALOUS PROPERTIES OF LITHIUM
The anomalous behavior of lithium is due to the :
(i) Exceptionally small size of its atom and ion,
(ii) High polarising power (i.e., charge/ radius ratio ).
As a result, there is increased covalent character of lithium compound which is responsible for their
solubility in organic solvent. Further, lithium shows diagonal relationship to magnesium.
S.No. Property Li
1. Hardness Li is much harder.
2. M.P and B.P Higher M.P and B.P
3. Reactivity Less reactive
4. Reducing agent Strong
5. Combustion in air Li form monoxide (Li2O) and nitride (Li3N) ; not for other.
6. Hydration of ion Favored for Li; not for other.
Li has maximum degree of hydration for this reason. Lithium
salts are mostly hydrated. E.g LiCl.2H2O.
7. Hydrogen Li is not obtained in the solid form while all other elements form

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s-Block Elements

Carbonate solid hydrogen carbonates.

8. Ethynide Favored for Li ; not for other.
9. Lithium nitrate 4LiNO3 
 2Li2O + 4NO2 + O2
Lithium Oxide
Where as other alkali metal nitrates decompose to give the
corresponding nitrite.
2NaNO3 

2NaNO2 + O2
Sodium nitrite
10. LiF and Li2O These are much less soluble in water. Solubility in water is less
than the corresponding compounds of other alkali metal.
11. Carbide Li reacts directly with carbon to form anionic carbide.
12. Hydroxide Lithium hydroxide is less basic Li2CO3 , LiNO3 and LiOH all form
the oxides an gentle heating.
13. Carbonate Less stable.
14. Nitrite Less stable.
15. Bicarbonate Lithium forms a bicarbonates in solution it does not form a solid
bicarbonate.
Where as the other all forms stable solid Carbonates.
16. Complex ion Lithium has a great tendency to form. Complexes not for other.
formation Due to small size of Lithium.
17. Reaction with Li when heated in NH3 imide (Li2NH) while other alkali metals form
NH3 amides (MNH2)

Points of Similarities between Lithium and Magnesium

The similarity between lithium and magnesium is particularly striking and arises because of their
similar size: atomic radii, Li = 152 pm, Mg = 160 pm; ionic radii : Li + = 76 pm, Mg2+ = 72 pm. The main
points of similarity are :
S.No. Properties Li and Mg
1. Hardness Li and Mg are much harder.
2. Density These are lighter than other elements in the respective group.
3. Reaction with water Both react slowly with water.
4. Solubility of hydroxide and Less soluble and their hydroxides decompose in acid on heating.
oxide
5. Reaction with N2 By direct combination with nitrogen both form a nitride Li3N and Mg3N2.
6. Oxides The oxides Li2O and MgO donot combine with excess oxygen to give
any superoxide.
7. Carbonates Carbonates of both decompose easily on heating to form the oxides and
CO2. Solid hydrogen carbonates are not formed by Li and Mg.
8. Solubility of halides in ethanol Both LiCl and MgCl2 are soluble.
9. Hydration of ion Both LiCl and MgCl2 are deliquescent and crystallise from aqueous
solution as hydrates, LiCl.H2O and MgCl2.6H2O.

Anamolous Behaviour of Beryllium

The properties of beryllium the first member of the alkaline earth metal, differ from the rest of the
member. Its is mainly because of
(i) Its small size and high polarizing power.
(ii) Relatively high electro negativity and ionization energy as compared to other members.
(iii) Absence of vacant d–orbitals in its valence shell.
Some important points of difference between beryllium and other members (especially magnesium) are
given below.

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s-Block Elements

S.No. Properties
1. Hardness Be is harder than other members of its group
2. Density Be is lighter than Mg
3. M.P. and B.P. Higher then other members of its group.
4. Reaction with water Be does not react with water while Mg reacts with boiling water.
5. Nature of oxides BeO is amphoteric while MgO is weakly basic.
6. Nature of compounds Be forms covalent compounds whereas other members form ionic compounds.
7. Carbide Beryllium carbide reacts with water to give methane whereas carbides of other
alkaline earth metals gives acetylene gas.
Be2C + 4H2O → 2Be (OH)2 + CH4
MgC2 + 2H2O → Mg (OH)2 + C2H2
CaC2 + 2H2O → Ca (OH)2 + C2H2
8. Hydride The beryllium hydride is electron deficient and polymeric, with muti center
bonding like aluminium hydride.
9. Co-ordination number Beryllium does not exhibit coordination number more than four as it has four
orbitals in the valence shell. The other members of this group has coordination
number 6.

10. Reaction with Alkali Be dissolves in alkalies with evolution of hydrogen

Be + 2NaOH +2H2O→ Na2BeO2.2H2O + H2
(sodium beryllate
Other alkaline earth metals don't react with alkalies.
Resemblance of Beryllium with Aluminium (Diagonal relationship)
The following points illustrate the anomalous behaviour of Be and its resemblance with Al.
S.No. Properties Be and Al
1. Nature of compounds Unlike groups-2 elements but like aluminium, beryllium forms covalent compounds.
2. Nature of hydroxide The hydroxides of Be, [Be(OH)2] and aluminium [Al(OH)3] are amphoteric in nature,
whereas those of other elements of group – 2 are basic in nature.
3. Nature of oxide The oxides of both Be and Al i.e. BeO and Al2O3 are high melting insoluble solids.
4. Polymeric structure BeCl2 and AlCl3 have bridged chloride polymeric structure.

5. Salts The salts of beryllium as well as aluminium are extensively hydrolysed.

6. Carbides Carbides of both the metal reacts with water liberating methane gas.
Be2C + 4H2O → 2Be (OH)2 + CH4
Al4C3 + 12H2O → 4Al(OH)3 + 3CH4
7. Oxides and The oxides and hydroxides of both Be and Al are amphoteric and dissolve in
hydroxides sodium hydroxide as well as in hydrochloric acid.
BeO + 2HCl → BeCl2 + H2O
BeO + 2NaOH → Na2BeO2 + H2O
Al2O3 + 6HCl → 2AlCl3 + H2O
Al2O3 + 2NaOH → 2NaAlO2 + H2O
8. Reaction with acids Like Al, Be is not readily attacked by acids because of the presence of an oxide
film.

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GROUP -I & II OXIDES

1. Sodium Oxide (Na2O)
Preparation:
Name of compound Name and Brief about the process Related chemical reaction

(1) By burning sodium at 180°C in a limited

supply of air or oxygen and distilling off the 2Na + O2 Na2O
excess of sodium in vacuum.

Sodium Oxide (2) By heating sodium peroxide, nitrate or Na2O2 + 2Na 2Na2O
(Na2O) nitrite with sodium.
2NaNO3 + 10Na 6Na2O + N2
2NaNO2 + 6Na 4Na2O + N2
(3) Sodium oxide is formed when the mixture 3NaN3 + NaNO2  2Na2O + 5N2
of sodium azide and sodium nitrite is heated.

Chemical Properties:
(1) It is white amorphous substance.
(2) It dissolve violently in water, yielding caustic soda (NaOH) and evolving a large amount of heat.
Na2O + H2O  2NaOH
Uses : It is used as dehydrating and polymerising agent in organic chemistry.

2. Sodium Peroxide (Na2O2)

Preparation
Name of compound Name and Brief about the process Related chemical reaction
(1) By heating the metal in excess of air or 2Na + O2 (excess) Na2O2
oxygen at 300°, which is free from
moisture and CO2.
Sodium Peroxides
(Na2O2) (2) Industrial method :
2Na + O2  Na2O
It is a two stage reaction in the presence
of excess air. Na2O + O2  Na2O2

Properties:
(1) It is a pale yellow solid (when impure), becoming white in air from the formation of a film of NaOH and
Na2CO3.
(2) In cold water (~0°C) produces H2O2 but at room temperature produces O2. In ice-cold mineral acids
also produces H2O2.
~ 0C
Na2O2 + 2H2O  2NaOH + H2O2
25C
2Na2O2 + 2H2O  4NaOH + O2
~ 0C
Na2O2 + H2SO4  Na2SO4 + H2O2
25C
2Na2O2 + H2SO4  2Na2SO4 + 2H2O + O2
(3) It reacts with CO2, giving sodium carbonate and oxygen and hence its use for purifying air in a confined
space e.g. submarine, ill-ventilated room.
2Na2O2 + 2CO2 2Na2CO3 + O2
Na2O2 + CO Na2CO3
(4) It is an oxidising agent and oxidises charcoal, CO, NH3, SO2.
3Na2O2 + 2C 2Na2CO3 + 2Na [deposition of metallic Na]
CO + Na2O2 Na2CO3
SO2 + Na2O2 Na2SO4
2NH3 + 3Na2O2 6NaOH + N2

(5) Sulphides are oxidised to corresponding sulphates

Na2O2  Na2O + [O] ; Na2S + 4[O]  Na
2SO4
(6) Na2O2  Na2O + [O] ; 2Al + 3 [O]  Al
2O3 ; Al2O3 + Na2O  2NaAlO2.
Uses :

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s-Block Elements

(1) For preparing H2O2, O2 .

(2) Oxygenating the air in submarines.
(3) Oxidising agent in the laboratory.

Oxides of
K2O K2O2 K2O3* KO2 KO3
Potassium
Colours Orange Red
White White Red Bright Yellow
Solid

3. Potassium sesquioxide (need not memorize).

Preparation:

Name of compound Name and Brief about the Related chemical reaction
process
By heating potassium nitrate 2KNO3 + 10K 6K2O + N2
with potassium.
K2 O K2 O K2O
(Potassium oxide) (White) (Yellow)
K2 O + H 2 O 2KOH

Properties of Potassium superoxide (KO2)

It is a orange coloured (chrome yellow) powder and reacts with water according to following reaction.
2KO2 + 2H2O  2KOH + H2O2 + O2
It reacts directly with CO and CO2.
2KO2 + CO  K2CO3 + O2 ; 2KO2 + CO2  K2CO3 + O2
If more CO2, in presence of moisture is present; then
4KO2 + 4CO2 + 2H2O  4KHCO3 + 3O2
On heating with sulphur, it forms potassium sulphate
2KO2 + S  K2SO4
Uses : It is used as an oxidising agent and air purifier in space capsules, submarine and breathing mask as it
produces O2 and removes CO2.
4. Magnesium Oxide (MgO):

Name of compound Name and Brief about the process Related chemical reaction

Magnesium Oxide (MgO) It is also called magnesia and obtained by MgCO3 MgO + CO2
heating natural magnesite.
Properties :
(1) It is white powder.
(2) It's m.p. is 2850°C. Hence used in manufacture of refractory bricks for furances. And it is acts as basic
flux and facilitates the removal of acidic impurities of Si, P and S from steel through slag formation.
(3) It is very slightly soluble in water imparting alkaline reaction.
5. Calcium Oxide (CaO):
Preparation
Name of compound Name and Brief about the process Related chemical reaction
It is commonly called as quick lime or lime CaCO3 CaO + CO2
Calcium Oxide and made by decomposing lime stone at a
(CaO) high temperature about 1000°C.

* The Carbon dioxide is removed as soon as it is produced to enable the reaction to proceed to completion.

Chemical Properties :

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s-Block Elements

(1) It is white amorphous powder of m.p. 2570°C. On exposure to atmosphere; it absorbs moisture and
carbondioxide.
CaO + H2O Ca(OH) 2 ; CaO + CO2 CaCO3
acidic oxide
(2) It emits intense light (lime light), when heated in oxygen-hydrogen flame.
(3) It combines with limited amount of water to produce slaked lime. This process is called slaking of lime.
Quick lime slaked with soda gives solid sodalime (CaO). Being a basic oxide.
CaO + H2O Ca(OH) 2
(4) Soda lime (basic oxide) combines with some acidic oxides at high temperature.
CaO + SiO2 CaSiO3
6CaO + P4O10 2Ca3(PO4)2
Uses :

(i) It is an important primary material for manufacturing cement and is the cheapest form of alkali.
(ii) It is used in the manufacture of sodium carbonate from caustic soda.
(iii) It is employed in the purification of sugar and in the manufacture of dye stuffs.

HYDROXIDES
1. Sodium Hydroxides(Caustic Soda) NaOH:
Preparation :

Name of Name and Brief about Related chemical reaction

compound the process
Sodium (1) Electrolysis of Brine : Cathode:Na++ e– Na-amalgam
Hydroxides Sodium hydroxide is
(NaOH) generally prepared Anode : Cl– Cl2 + e–
commercially by the
electrolysis of sodium
chloride in Castner-Kellner
cell. A brine solution is
electrolysed using a
mercury cathode and a
carbon anode. Sodium
metal discharged at the
cathode combines with
mercury to form sodium
amalgam. Chlorine gas is
evolved at the anode.
The amalgam is treated
with water to give sodium
hydroxide and hydrogen
gas.

2Na-amalgam + 2H2O 2NaOH + 2Hg + H2

(2) Caustication of Na2CO3 + Ca(OH)2 2NaOH + CaCO3
Na2CO3 (suspension)
(Gossage's method) 
Since the Ksp (CaCO3) < Ksp(Ca(OH)2), the reaction shifts towards
right.

Properties:

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s-Block Elements

(1) Sodium hydroxide is a white, translucent solid. It melts at 591 K. It is readily soluble in water to give a
strong alkaline solution. Crystals of sodium hydroxide are deliquescent. The sodium hydroxide solution
at the surface reacts with the CO2 in the atmosphere to form Na2CO3.
(2) It is white crystalline, deliquescent, highly corrosive solid.
(3) It is stable towards heat.
(4) It's aqueous solution alkaline in nature and soapy in touch.
(5) NH 4Cl + NaOH NaCl + NH3  + H2O
FeCl3 + 3NaOH Fe(OH)3  + 3NaCl
Brown ppt
ZnCl2 + 2NaOH Zn(OH)2  + 2NaCl
Zn(OH)2 + 2NaOH Na2ZnO2 + 2H2O [Same with AlCl3, SnCl2, PbCl2]
soluble
(6) Acidic and amphoteric oxides gets dissolved easily e.g.
CO2 + 2NaOH  Na2CO3 + H2O
Al2O3 + 2NaOH  2NaAlO2 + H2O
(7) Aluminium and Zn metal gives H2 from NaOH.
2Al + 2NaOH + 2H2O  3H2 + 2NaAlO2
(8) Several non metals such as P, S, Cl etc. yield a hydride instead of hydrogen.e.g.
4P + 3NaOH + 3H2O PH3 + 3NaH2PO2 (Disproportionation reaction)
(9) NaOH is stable towards heat but reduced to metal when heated with carbon.
2NaOH + C 2Na + 2 CO + H2

(10). NaOH + Metal Oxide (M)

Above are general reactions of NaOH with metal oxides having metal's Oxidation number +2, +3 & +4
respectively.
Uses : It is used in
(i) The manufacture of soap, paper, artificial silk and a number of chemicals.
(ii) In petroleum refining.
(iii) In the purification of bauxite.
(iv) In the textile industries for mercerising cotton fabrics.
(v) For the preparation of pure fats and oils .
(vi) As a laboratory reagent.
2. Potassium Hydroxide (KOH):
Preparation:
(1) It is prepared by electrolysis of KCl solution.
(2) KOH resembles NaOH in all its reactions. However KOH is much more soluble in alcohol. This
accounts for the use of alcoholic KOH in organic chemistry.
(3) It is used for the absorption of gases like CO2, SO2, etc. It is used for making soft soaps.
Properties:Same as NaOH
(1) It is stronger base compared to NaOH.
(2) Solubility in water is more compared to NaOH.
(3) In alcohol, NaOH is sparingly soluble but KOH is highly soluble.
(4) As a reagent KOH is less frequently used but in absorption of CO 2, KOH is preferably used compared to
NaOH. Because KHCO3 formed is soluble whereas NaHCO3 is insoluble and may therefore choke the
tubes of apparatus used.

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s-Block Elements

3. Magnesium Hydroxide (Mg(OH)2):

It occurs in nature as the mineral brucite.
Preparation:

Name of compound Name and Brief about the Related chemical reaction
process
It can be prepared by adding MgSO4 + 2NaOH Mg(OH)2 + Na2SO4
Magnesium
caustic soda solution to a MgCl2 + 2NaOH Mg(OH)2 + 2NaCl
Hydroxide solution of Magnesium sulphate MgCl2 + Ca(OH)2 Mg(OH)2 + CaCl2
(Mg(OH)2) or chloride solution. MgO + H2O Mg(OH)2

Chemical Properties:
(1) It can be dried at temperature upto 100°C only otherwise it breaks into its oxide at higher temperature.
Mg(OH)2 MgO + H2O
(2) It is slightly soluble in water imparting alkalinity.
(3) It dissolves in NH4Cl solution.
Mg(OH)2 + 2NH4Cl MgCl2 + 2NH3.H2O
Thus, Mg(OH)2 is not therefore precipitated from a solution of Mg 2+ ions by NH3.H2O. in presence of
excess of NH4Cl.

Uses : A suspension of Mg(OH)2 in water is used in medicine as an antacid under the name, milk of
magnesia.
4. Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)2):

Preparation :

Name of compound Name and Brief about the process Related chemical reaction
Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) By spraying water on quicklime. CaO + H2O Ca(OH)2
Properties:
(1) It is a white amorphous powder.
(2) It is sparingly soluble in water.
(3) It's solubility in hot water is less than that of cold water. Hence solubility decreases with increase in
temperature.
(4) The aqueous solution is known as lime water and a suspension of slaked lime in water is known as milk
of lime.
(5) When carbon dioxide is passed through lime water it turns milky due to the formation of calcium
carbonate.
Ca(OH)2 + CO2 CaCO3 + H2O
On passing excess of carbon dioxide, the precipitate dissolves to form calcium hydrogen carbonate.
CaCO3 + CO2 + H2O Ca(HCO3)2
Milk of lime reacts with chlorine to form hypochlorite, a constituent of bleaching powder.
2Ca(OH) 2 + 2Cl2 CaCl2 + Ca(OCl)2 + H2O
Bleaching powder
Uses:
(i) It is used in the preparation of mortar, a building material.
(ii) It is used in white wash due to its disinfectant nature.
(iii) It is used in glass making, in tanning industry, for the preparation of bleaching powder and for
purification of sugar.

CARBONATES

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s-Block Elements
1. Sodium Carbonate (Washing soda) Na2CO3.10H2O:
Preparation:
1.
Name of Name and Brief about the Related chemical reaction
compound process
(1) Leblanc Process NaCl + H2SO4(conc.) NaHSO4 + HCl
Sodium
NaCl + NaHSO4 Na2SO4 + HCl
Carbonate
(Washing soda) (Salt Cake)
Na2CO3.10H2O Na2SO4 + 4C Na2S + 4CO 
Na2S + CaCO3 Na2CO3 + CaS
(2) Solvay Process 2NH3 + CO2 + H2O (NH4)2CO3
Step-1 (In ammonia absorber)
CaCl2 + (NH4)2CO3 CaCO3 + 2NH4Cl
(i)Saturation of brine with
ammonia and CO2 MgCl2 + (NH4)2CO3 MgCO3 + 2NH4Cl
(ii) Ammoniated brine is filtered
to remove calcium and
magnesium impurities as their
insoluble carbonates.

Step-2 (In carbonation tower) : NH3 + CO2 + H2O NH4HCO3 ;

(i) Formation of insoluble
NH4HCO3 + NaCl NaHCO3 + NH4Cl
NaHCO3
(ii) Reaction is exothermic and
hence there is a cooling
arrangement.
(iii) NaHCO3 is insoluble in
cold brine solution because
of the common ion effect. It is
separated by filtration and the
filtered is used for recovering
NH3 & CO2.

Step-3 (Calcination to get 2 NaHCO3 Na2CO3 + CO2 + H2O

sodium carbonate) :
Step - 4 (In recovery tower) : NH4 HCO3 NH2 + CO2 + H2O
Recovery of ammonia and
2NH4 Cl +Ca(OH)2 2NH3+ 2H2O+CaCl2
carbondioxide.
CaCl2 is obtained as by
product.

* advantage is taken of low solubility of NaHCO3, it gets precipitated in the reaction of NaCl + NH4HCO3.

2. Naturally from trona

2(Na2CO3.NaHCO3.2H2O) 3Na2CO3 + CO2 + 5H2O
Properties
(1) Anhydrous Na2CO3 is called as soda ash, which does not decompose on heating but melts at 852°C.
(2) Sodium carbonate is a white crystalline solid which exists as a decahydrate, Na 2CO3·10H2O. This is
also called washing soda. It is readily soluble in water. On heating, the decahydrate loses its water of
crystallisation to form monohydrate. Above 373K, the monohydrate becomes completely anhydrous and
changes to a white powder called soda ash.
Na2CO3·10H2O Na2CO3·H2O + 9H2O
Na2CO3·H2O Na2CO3 + H2O
(soda ash)
Carbonate part of sodium carbonate gets hydrolysed by water to form an alkaline solution.
Na2CO3 + H2O H2CO3 (weak acid) + NaOH (strong)
(3) Na2CO3 absorbs CO2 yielding sparingly soluble sodium bicarbonate which can be calcined at 250° to
get pure sodium carbonate.

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Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2 2NaHCO3 (solid)

(4) It dissolved in acid with effervescence of CO2 and causticised by lime to give caustic soda.
Na2CO3 + HCl 2NaCl + H2O + CO2
Na2CO3 + Ca(OH)2 2NaOH + CaCO3

Uses:
(i) It is used in water softening, laundering and cleaning.
(ii) It is used in the manufacture of glass, soap, borax and caustic soda.
(iii) It is used in paper, paints and textile industries.
(iv) It is an important laboratory reagent both in qualitative and quantitative analysis.

2. Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3)

Name of Name and Brief about the Related chemical reaction

compound process
By leblance process, it can be KCl + H2SO4 (conc.) KHSO4 + HCl
Potassium prepared but by solvay process it
cannot be prepared because KCl + KHSO4 K2SO4 + HCl
Carbonate
KHCO3 is soluble in water.
(K2CO3) K2SO4 + 4C K2S + 4CO 
K2S + CaCO3 K2CO3 + CaS

Properties:
It resembles with Na2CO3, m.p. is 900°C but a mixture of Na2CO3 and K2CO3 melts at 712°C.
Uses It is used in glass manufacturing.
* need not memories.

Note : Calcium carbonate and Magnesium carbonate found in nature.

Calcium bicarbonate and Magnesium bicarbonate are present in temporary hardness of water.
Unstable and unimportant. Same for KHCO3.
CHLORIDES
Sodium Chloride (NaCl) and Potassium Chloride, Calcium Chloride
Preparation:
NaCl : Found in nature as rock salt or in sea water.
KCl : Found in nature as sylvine (KCl) or carnallite (KCl.MgCl2.6H2O)
CaCl2 : Obtained as byproduct in Solvay’s process.

Properties of NaCl :
(1) It is nonhygroscopic but the presence of MgCl2 in common salt renders it hygroscopic.
(2) It is used to prepare freezing mixture in laboratory [Ice-common salt mixture is called freezing mixture
and temperature goes down to –23°C.]
(3) For melting ice and snow on road.

Uses of NaCl:
(i) It is used as a common salt or table salt for domestic purpose.
(ii) It is used for the preparation of Na2O2, NaOH and Na2CO3.

Magnesium Chloride (MgCl2)

It occurs in nature as mineral carnallite, KCl.MgCl 2.6H2O.

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s-Block Elements

Preparation : By Dow’s Processes (Natural Brine process and Dolomite process).

Properties:
(1) It crystallises as hexahydrate. MgCl2. 6H2O
(2) It is deliquescent solid.
(3) This hydrate undergoes hydrolysis as follows:
MgCl2·6H2O Mg(OH)Cl + HCl + 5H2O
Mg(OH)Cl MgO + HCl
Hence, Anh. MgCl2 cannot be prepared by heating this hydrate. Because of this formation of HCl. Sea
water cannot be used in marine boilers which corrodes the iron body.
(4) Anhydrous MgCl2 can be prepared by heating a double salt like. MgCl2.NH4Cl.6H2O as follows:

MgCl2 . NH4Cl . 6H2O MgCl2. NH4Cl MgCl2 + NH3 + HCl

(5) It is a colourless crystalline solid, highly deliquescent and highly soluble in water.
(6) Sorel Cement is a mixture of MgO and MgCl 2 (paste like) which set to hard mass on standing. This is
used in dental filling, flooring etc.
(7) Anh. CaCl2 is used in drying gases and organic compounds but not NH 3 or alcohol due to the formation
of CaCl2 . 8NH3 and CaCl2 . 4C2H5OH.

SULPHATES
1. Magnesium Sulphate (MgSO4):
It occurs in nature as minerals kiesserite (MgSO 4.H2O), epsom salt (MgSO4.7H2O)and kainite
(KCl.MgSO4.3H2O).
Preparation:
(1) It is obtained by dissolving kieserite. MgSO4.H2O in boiling water and then crystallising the solution as a
hepta hydrate. i.e. MgSO4.7H2O. It is called as Epsom salt.
(2) It is also obtained by dissolving magnesite in hot dil. H2SO4.
MgCO3 + H2SO4 MgSO4 + H2O + CO2
(3) By dissolving dolomite (CaCO3.MgCO3) in hot dil. H2SO4 and removing the insoluble CaSO4 by filtration.
CaCO3.MgCO3 (dolomite) + 2H2SO4 MgSO4 + CaSO4 + 2CO2 + 2H2O
(4) It is isomorphous with FeSO4.7H2O, ZnSO4.7H2O.

Chemical Properties:
Heating effect:
(1) When heated to 150°C, it changes to monohydrate. On further heating, it becomes anhydrous at
200°C. On strong heating, it decomposes into MgO.
strong
 
150C 200C heating
MgSO4.7H2O   MgSO4.H2O   MgSO4 MgO + SO2 + O2.
(2) Magnesium sulphate when heated with lamp black at 800°C produces SO 2 and CO2 gases.
2MgSO4 + C  2MgO + 2SO2 + CO2
(3) It forms double salts with alkali metal sulphates, e.g., K2SO4.MgSO4.6H2O.
2. Calcium Sulphate (Plaster of paris) CaSO4.½ H2O
It occurs as anhydrite CaSO4 , hemihydrate CaSO4.½H2O and as the dihydrate (CaSO4.2H2O) gypsum,
alabaster or satin-spar.

Preparation:
(1) It is a hemihydrate of calcium sulphate. It is obtained when gypsum, CaSO 4·2H2O, is heated to 393 K.
2(CaSO4.2H2O) 2(CaSO4).H2O + 3H2O

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Above 393 K, no water of crystallisation is left and anhydrous calcium sulphate, CaSO 4 is formed. This
is known as ‘dead burnt plaster’.
It has a remarkable property of setting with water. On mixing with an adequate quantity of water it forms
a plastic mass that gets into a hard solid in 5 to 15 minutes.
(2) It can be prepared by reacting any calcium salt with either sulphuric acid or a soluble sulphate.
CaCl2 + H2SO4  CaSO4 + 2HCl ; CaCl2 + Na2SO4  CaSO4 + 2NaCl
Properties:
It is a white crystalline solid. It is sparingly soluble in water and solubility decreases as temperature
increases.
It dissolves in dilute acids. It also dissolves in ammonium sulphate due to the formation of double
sulphate, (NH4)2SO4.CaSO4.H2O.
The setting process is exothermic. The process of setting takes place in stages. In the first stage, there
is conversion of Plaster of Pairs into orthorhombic form of gypsum (setting step) and in the second
stage orthorhombic form changes into monoclinic form (hardening step).
The setting of Plaster of Paris may be catalysed by sodium chloride while it is retarded by borax or
alum. Addition of alum to Plaster of Paris makes the setting very hard. The mixture is known as
Keene’s cement.

Dead plaster has no setting property as it takes up water only very slowly.
A suspension of gypsum when saturated with ammonia and carbon dioxide forms ammonium sulphate,
a nitrogenous fertilizer.
2NH3 + CaSO4 + CO2 + H2O (NH4)2 SO4 + CaCO3
When strongly heated with carbon, it forms calcium sulphide.
CaSO4 + 4C CaS + 4CO
Uses: For preparing blackboard chalk.
In anhydrous form as drying agent.

Fertilizer
1. Cynamide: It is an organic compound with the formula CN 2H2. This white solid is widely used in
agriculture and the production of pharmaceuticals and other organic compounds.
Cyanamide is produced by hydrolysis of calcium cyanamide, which in turn is prepared from calcium
carbide via the frank-Caro process.
CaC2 + N2  CaCN2 + C ; frank-Caro process
CaCN2 + H2O + CO2  CaCO3 + H2NCN (Cynamide)
The main reaction exhibited by cyanamide involves additions of compounds containing an acidic
proton. Water, hydrogen sulfide, and hydrogen selenide react with cyanmide to give urea, thiourea, and
selenourea, respectively :
H2NCN + H2E H2NC (E) NH2 ; (E= O, S, Se)

2. Fluorapatite: It is a phosphate mineral with the formula Ca5 (PO4)3.

Cement
Cement is a product obtained by combining a material rich in lime, CaO with other material such as clay
which contains silica, SiO2 along with the oxides of aluminium, iron and magnesium.

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The raw materials for the manufacture of cement are limestone and clay. When clay and lime are
strongly heated together they fuse and react to form cement clinker. This clinker is mixed with 2-3% by
weight of gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O) to form cement. Thus important ingredients present in Portland
cement are dicalcium silicate (Ca 2SiO4) 26%, tricalcium silicate (Ca 3SiO=5) 51% and tricalcium
aluminate (Ca3Al2O6) 11%.

Setting of cement : When mixed with water, the setting of cement takes place to give a hard mass.
This is due to the hydration of the molecules of the constituents and their rearrangement. The purpose
of adding gypsum is only to slow down the process of setting of the cement so that it gets sufficiently
hardened.

Uses : Cement has become a commodity of national necessity for any country next to iron and steel. It
is used in concrete and reinforced concrete, in plastering and in the construction of bridges, dams and
buildings.
Common Names
The names marked with asterisk (*) should be memorized with formulae. Others are given only for
reference. You need not memorize them.
Metal Ore name Formula
Lithium (Li) Spodumene LiAl(SiO3)2
Lepidolite KLi2Al(Al,Si)3O10(F,OH)2
Petalite LiAl(Si2O5)2
Sodium (Na) *Washing soda Na2CO3.10H2O
*Baking soda NaHCO3
*Sodium carbonate Na2CO3
(soda ash/ washing soda)
*Sodium chloride NaCl
(rock salt or halite)
*Sodium nitrate (Chile saltpeter) NaNO3
Salt cake Na2SO4
Fusion mixture Na2CO3 + K2CO3 (eq. molar mix.)
Sodium sesquicarbonate (trona) Na2CO3.NaHCO3.2H2O ( it is a double salt )
*Microcosmic salt Na(NH4)HPO4.4H2O (it is obtained by mixing
solutions of sodium phosphate and ammonium
phosphate or chloride)
Soda feldspar or sodium feldspar Na2O. Al2O3. 6SiO2
(albite)
Potash feldspars or orthoclase or K2O. Al2O3.6SiO2
microcline or Potassium feldspars
*Hypo Na2S2O3 . 5H2O
*Sodium aluminium fluoride Na3AlF6
(cryolite)
*Borax (Tincal) Na2B4O7.10H2O
*Sodium sulphate (glauber’s salt) Na2SO4.10H2O
(Sodium sulfate is the sodium salt of sulfuric
acid. When anhydrous, it is a white crystalline
solid of formula Na 2SO4 known as the mineral
thenardite; the decahydrate Na2SO4·10H2O is
known as Glauber's salt)
Sodium aluminium silicate NaAlSi3O8
(Soda Feldspar)
Potassium (K) Sylvite KCl
Schonite K2SO4.MgSO4.6H2O
Kainite MgSO4.KCl.3H2O

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*Carnallite MgCl2.KCl.6H2O
*Indian saltpetre (Nitre) KNO3 (used especially as a fertilizer and
explosive)
Pearl ash K2CO3
Schonite K2SO4.MgSO4.6H2O( it is a double salt)
Langbeinite K2SO4.2MgSO4
Polyhalite K2SO4.MgSO4.2CaSO4.2H2O
*Potassium Alum K2SO4. Al2 (SO4)3. 24H2O
Alunite or Alumstone K2SO4. Al2 (SO4)3. 4Al(OH)3
Mica K2O. 3Al2O3. 6SiO2.2H2O
Feldspar KAlSi3O8(K2O.Al2O3.6SiO2)
Beryllium (Be) Beryl 3BeO. Al2O3 6SiO2
Chrysoberyl BeO.Al2O3
Phenacite BeSiO4
Bromalite BeO
*Baryta Ba(OH)2
Magnesium *Magnesite MgCO3
(Mg)
*Dolomite MgCO3.CaCO3
*Epsom salt MgSO4.7H2O
Kieserite MgSO4.H2O
Asbestos CaMg3 (SiO3)4
Talc Mg(Si2O5)2 Mg (OH)2
Brucite Mg(OH)2
*Magnesia MgO
Artinite MgCO3.Mg(OH)2 .3H2O
*Sorel cement (magnesia cement) Mg4Cl2(OH)6(H2O)8
Calcium (Ca) *Quick lime CaO
*Slaked lime Ca(OH)2
*Hydrolith CaH2
*Calcium cynamide CaCN2 OR CaNCN
*Limestone (Marble / Whiting) CaCO3
Anhydrite CaSO4
*Gypsum CaSO4.2H2O
*Fluorspar or Fluorite CaF2
Phosphorite Ca3 (PO4)2
*Fluorapatite 3Ca3 (PO4)2.CaF2 OR Ca5(PO4)3F
*Plaster of paris CaSO2.½H2O
*Bleaching powder CaOCl2
*Rock phosphate Ca3 (PO4) 2
Wollastonite CaSiO2
Colmanite 2CaO.3Ba2O3.5H2O
Strontium(Sr) Strontianite SrCO3
Celestite SrSO4
Barytes or Heavy spar BaSO4

Periodic Properties of s-Block

Properties Order

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s-Block Elements

Thermal stability LiH > NaH > KH > RbH > CsH

Basic strength BeO < MgO < CaO < SrO

Basic Strength or Solubility in water or thermal LiOH < NaOH < KOH < RbOH < CsOH
stability
Basic Strength and Solubility in water Be(OH)2<Mg(OH)2<Ca(OH)2<Ba(OH)2

Thermal stability Be(OH)2<Mg(OH)2<Ca(OH)2<Sr(OH)2< Ba(OH)2

Solubility in water or thermal stability Li2CO3 < Na2CO3 < K2CO3 < Rb2CO3 < Cs2CO3

Solubility in water BaCO3 < CaCO3 < MgCO3 < BeCO3

Thermal stability BeCO3 < MgCO3 < CaCO3 < BaCO3

Solubility in water BaSO4 < SrSO4 < CaSO4 < MgSO4 < BeSO4

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