Module C08 [B] s - BLOCK ELEMENTS

INTRODUCTION
The elements in which the last electron enters the outermost s-orbital, belong to the s-block. As
the s-orbital can accommodate only two electrons, two groups(1 & 2) belong to the s-block of
the periodic table.

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII/0
I H He
II Li Be B C N O F Ne
III Na Mg d- Block Al Si P S Cl Ar
IV K Ca Sc Ti V Cr Mn Fe Co Ni Cu Zn Ga Ge As Se Br Kr
V Rb Sr V Zr Nb Mo Tc Ru Th Pd Ag Cd In Sn Sb Te I Xe
VI Cs Ba La Hf Ta W Re Os Ir Pt Au Hg Ti Pb Bi Po At Rn

VII Fr Ra Ac Unq Unp Uuh Uns Uno Une Uun p - block

s-bock Elements
Table Group 1 of the periodic table consists of the elements: lithium (Li), sodium (Na),
potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), cesium (Cs) and francium (Fr). Collectively known as the
alkali metals, as they form hydroxide on reaction with water, those are strongly alkaline in
nature. The elements of Group 2 include beryllium (Be), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca),
strontium (Sr), barium (Ba) and radium (Ra). These elements with the exception of
beryllium are commonly known as the alkaline earth metals. These are so called because their
oxides and hydroxides are alkaline in nature and these metal oxides are found in the earth
crust. The general electronic configuration of s-block elements is [noble gas] ns1 for alkali
metals and [noble gas] ns2 for alkaline earth metals.

TRENDS IN PHYSCIAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Electronic configuration
All alkali metals have one valence electron, ns1 outside the noble gas core. The single valence
electron is at a long distance from the nucleus and is held weakly. Hence, the loosely held s-
electrons in the outermost valence shell of these elements make them the most electropositive
metals. They readily lose electrons to give monovalent M+ ions, Hence, they are never found in
the free state in the nature. Alkaline earth metals have two electrons in the s-orbital of valence
shell (ns2). The compounds of these elements are also predominantly ionic.

Element Symbol Electronic configuration

Lithium Li 1s22s1
Sodium Na 1s22s22p63s1
Potassium K 1s22s22p6 3s23p64s1
Rubidium Rb 1s22s2 2p6 3s23p6 3d10 4s2 4p65s1
Caesium Cs 1s2 2s22p63s23p6 3d10 4s24p6 4d105s25p6 6s1 or [Xe]6s1
Francium Fr [Rn] 7s1
Beryllium Be 1s22s2
Magnesium Mg 1s2 2s22p63s2
Calcium Ca 1s22s2 2p63s23p64s2
Strontium Sr 1s22s22p6 3s2 3p63d104s24p65s2
Barium Ba 1s22s22p6 3s23p63d104s24p64d105s25p66s2 or [Xe] 6s2
Radium Ra [Rn]7s2
C08: AICE Module-23 43
Atomic and Ionic Radii
The alkali metal atoms have the largest size in a particular period of the periodic table. The
atomic and ionic radii of alkali metals increase down the group i.e., they increase the size while
going form Li to Cs. Due to the increased nuclear charge in these elements, the atomic and ionic
radii of the alkaline earth metals are smaller than those of the corresponding alkali metals in
the same periods. Within the group, the atomic and ionic radii increase with the increase in the
atomic number due to the increase in number of atomic shells.

Key Takeaway: Fr > Cs > Rb> K > Na > Li

Key Takeaway: Ra >Ba > Sr > Ca > Mg > Be

Ionization Enthalpy
The ionization enthalpies of the alkali metals are considerably low and decrease down the
group from Li to Cs. This is because the effect of increasing size outweighs the increasing
nuclear charge and the outermost electron is very well screened from the nuclear charge. The
second ionization energy is extremely high because of the removal of the 2nd electron from a
stable noble gas electron configuration of the monovalent metal cation. The alkaline earth
metals have low ionization enthalpies due to the fairly large size of the atoms. Since the atomic
size increase down the group, their ionization enthalpy decreases. Due to their small size as
compared to the corresponding alkali metals, the first ionization enthalpy of the alkaline earth
metals is higher than those of the corresponding Group 1 metals for the same period. The
second ionization enthalpies of the alkaline earth metals are smaller than those of the
corresponding alkali metals because for the alkali metals, the second electron is to be removed
from an inert gas configuration.

Key Takeaway: 1st IE: Cs < Rb< K < Na < Li

Key Takeaway: 1st IE: Ba< Sr < Ca < Mg < Be

Physical Properties
All alkali metals are silvery white, soft and light metals. This is due to having only one valence
electron which participates in bonding. These elements have a low density which increases
down the group form Li to Cs, because of their larger size. However, potassium is lighter than
sodium because of its larger atomic volume. The melting and boiling points of the alkali metals
are low which indicate weak metallic bonding, due to the presence of only a single valence
electron in them. The strength of the metallic bond decreases down the group and the m.p
decreases accordingly. The m.p of lithium is nearly twice as high as that of sodium because of
the stronger metallic bonding on account of its smaller size. However, the m.p of all the other
are close together. The alkali metals and their salts impart a characteristic colour to oxidizing
flames. This is because the heat from the flame excites the outermost orbital electron to a
higher energy level. When the excited electrons come back to the ground state, there is an
emission of radiation in the visible region as given below.

Metal Li Na K Rb Cs
Colour Crimson red Yellow Violet / Lilac Red violet Blue

When these elements are irradiated with light, the light energy absorbed may be sufficient to
make an atom lose an electron. This property makes caesium and potassium useful as
electrodes in photoelectric cells.
The alkaline earth metals, in general, are silvery white, lustrous and relatively soft, but are
however, harder than the alkali metals. Beryllium and magnesium appear to be somewhat
grayish. The melting and boiling point of these metals are higher than alkali metals due to their
smaller size and two valence electrons. Due to their low ionization enthalpies, they are strongly

44 EXPERT
 electropositive in nature. The electropositive character increases down the group from Be to
Ba. Calcium, strontium and barium, all impart a characteristic colour to the flame.

Metal Be Mg Ca Sr Ba
Colour No colour No colour Brick red Crimson Apple Green

The electrons in beryllium and magnesium are too strongly bound to get excited by the
flame. Hence, these elements do not impart any colour to the flame. Like alkali metals, the
electrical and thermal conductivity of alkaline earth metals are high.

Key points:
Softness increases from Li to Cs due to weakening of 2
interatomic attractions
•
Trends of Melting and Boiling Points:
•
In case of Alkali Metals –
1 •
Li > Na > K > Rb > Cs > Fr
In Case of alkaline earth metals – •
Be > Mg > Ca > Sr> Ba
Trends in case of heat of atomization:
In case of alkali metals –
Li
Li > Na > K > Rb > Cs > Fr Na K Rb Cs
In Case of density, following trend is observed
(figure 7):Li < K < Na < Rb < Cs Figure 7: Density plot
The reason of the type of trend is:
On moving down, both atomic mass and atomic
Volume increase, but increase in atomic volume can’t compensate for the increase in atomic
mass. An exceptionable is the lowerDensity of K as compared to Na, which is due to the
abnormalIncrease in the size of K.
Trends of density in case of alkaline earth metals: Ca<Mg<Be<Sr<Ba
All are light metals, since the densities of alkaline earth metals decrease slightly from Be to Ca
after which there is an increase.

Hydration Enthalpy
Hydration of M⊕ion Hydration represents the dissolution of a substance in water by attracting
a water molecule by weak valency forces.
• The Hydration is a exothermic process, i.e., energy is released during hydration
• Smaller the cation, greater is the degree of hydration energy
Li⊕> Na⊕> K⊕> Rb⊕> Cs⊕
The hydration enthalpies of alkali metal ions, decreases with the increase in ionic sizes. Li+ has
a maximum degree of hydration and for these reason lithium salts are mostly hydrated e.g.
LiCl.2H2O.
Like alkali metal ions, hydration enthalpies of alkaline earth metal ions decrease with the
increase in ionic size down the group.
The hydration enthalpies of alkaline earth metal ions are larger than those of alkali metal ions.
Thus compounds of alkaline earth are more extensively hydrated than those of alkali metals,
e.g. MgCl2 are CaCl2 exist as MgCl2 6H2O and CaCl26H2O while NaCl and KCl do not form such
hydrates.
1
Key Takeaway: Relative conducting power ∝
Re lative hydrated
Therefore, the trend in relative conducting power in case of Alkali metals would be:
Cs⊕> Rb⊕> K⊕> Na⊕> Li⊕

C08: AICE Module-23 45

 The Trend in case of relative ionic radii is
Cs⊕> Rb⊕> K⊕> Na⊕> Li⊕
It is reverses in case of relative hydrated radii:
Cs⊕< Rb⊕<K⊕<Na⊕< Li⊕

Standard Oxidation Potential and Reducing Properties in case of Alkali metals

Since alkali metals easily lose electrons, they have high values of oxidation potential accounting
for the good reducing nature.
Standard Oxidation potentials are listed below:
Li Na K Rb Cs
E 0 OP + 3.05 + 2.71 + 2.93 + 2.99 + 2.99

Higher the oxidation potential, more is the tendency to get oxidized and thus more powerful is
the reducing nature in an aqueous medium.
Alkali metals liberate H2 from H2O and HCl
2H2O + 2M → 2MOH + H2
2HCl + 2M → 2MCl + H2
From the ionization energy trend, we expect Li to have the lowest oxidation potential. But that
is not so.
The greatest reducing nature of Li in an aqueous medium is accounted for, due to the maximum
hydration energy of the Li⊕ ion.
In case of Alkaline Earth Metals,
(1) Standard Oxidation potential Ra > Ba > Sr > Ca > Mg > Be
(2)The reducing character increases from Be to Ba, due to the increasing order of the oxidation
potential.

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Alkali metals are highly reactive due to their larger size and low ionization enthalpy. The
reactivity of these metals increases down the group. The alkaline earth metals are less reactive
than the alkali metals. The reactivity of these elements increases on going down the group.
Reasons for High Reactivity of Alkali Metals –
Alkali metals exhibit very high chemical reactivity and the reasons for their high reactivity are:
1) Low IE
2) Low heat of atomization
3) High heats of hydration

Reactivity towards Air and Water

Alkali metals tarnish in dry air due to the formation of their oxides which in turn react with
moisture to form hydroxides. They burn vigorously in oxygen, forming oxides.
Lithium form a monoxide, sodium forms peroxide, and the other metals form a superoxide. The
superoxide O 2− ion is stable only in the presence of larger cations such as K, Rb, Cs,
4Li + O2→2Li2O (oxide): 2Na+ O2→Na2O2 (peroxide)
M + O2→MO2 (superoxide) (where M = K, Rb, Cs).
All five metals can be induced to form the normal oxides, peroxides or superoxide’s by
dissolving the metal in liquid ammonia and bubbling in the appropriate amount of oxygen.
Lithium shows exceptional behavior in a reaction directly with nitrogen of air to form the
nitride, Li3N. Li3N is ionic (3Li+ and N3-), and is ruby red.
∆
2Li3N   → 6Li + N2 : Li3N + 3H2O → 3LiOH +NH3
Hight Temp

The alkali metals react with water to form hydroxides and dihydrogen. The reaction becomes
increasingly violent on descending the group. Although lithium has most negative electrode
potential (E⊕) value, its reaction with water is less vigorous than that of sodium which has the
least negative electrode potential(E⊕)value among the alkali metals. This behavior of lithium is

46 EXPERT
attributed to its small size and very high hydration energy. Other metals of the group react
explosively with water.
2M + 2H2O → 2MOH + H2 (M = alkali metal cation)
They also react with proton donors such as alcohol, gaseous ammonia and alkynes. This is
because of their high reactivity towards air and water, the alkali metals are normally kept in
kerosene oil. Beryllium and magnesium are inert to oxygen and water because of the formation
of an oxide film on their surface. However, powdered beryllium burns brilliantly on ignition in
air to give BeO and Be3N2
Magnesium is more electropositive and burns with a dazzling brilliance in air to give MgO and
Mg3N2.
Calcium, Strontium and Barium are readily attacked by air to form the oxide and nitride. They
also react with water.

Reactivity towards Dihydrogen

The Alkali metals react with dihydrogen at about 673 K (lithium at 1073 K) to form hydrides.
All the metal hydrides are ionic solids with high melting points. All alkaline earth metals except
beryllium combine with hydrogen upon heating to form their hydrides, MH2, which are also
high melting solids. BeH2 however, can be prepared by the reaction of BeCl2 with LiAlH4.
2BeCl2 + LiAlH4→ 2BeH2 +LiCl + AICl3

Reactivity towards Halogens

Reactivity towards halogens: The alkali Metals readily react vigorously with halogens to form
ionic halides, MX. However, lithium halides are somewhat covalent. This is because of the high
polarization capability of the lithium ion. The Li+ ion is very small in size and has a high
tendency to distort electron clouds around the negative halide ion. Since anion with larger sizes
can be easily distorted, among halides lithium iodide is the most covalent in nature. All the
alkaline earth metals combine with halogens at elevated temperatures forming their halides.
M + X2→ MX (X = F, Cl, Br, I) M- Alkali metals
M + X2→ MX2 (X = F, Cl, Br, I) M- Alkaline earth metals

Reducing Nature
Alkali metals are strong reducing agents, lithium being the most and sodium the least powerful
with the small size of its ion, lithium has the highest hydration enthalpy which accounts for its
high negative E⊕ value and its high reducing power. Like alkali metals, the alkaline earth metals
are strong reducing agents. This is indicated by the large negative value of their reduction
potentials. Beryllium has a less negative value compared to other alkaline earth metals, due to
a relatively large value of the atomization enthalpy of the metal. However, its reducing nature
is due to a large hydration energy associated with the small size of Be2+ ion.

Solution in Liquid Ammonia

The alkali metals dissolve in liquid ammonia giving deep blue solutions.
M + (x + y)NH3→ [M (NH3)x]+ + [e(NH3)y]-
In dilute solutions, the main species are metal ions (M+) and electrons, which are solvated
(i.e.ammoniated). The blue colour, corresponding to a broad absorption band near 1500nm
that falls into the visible range, is attributed to the solvated electron.
The blue solution of alkali metals in liquid ammonia, decompose very slowly with the liberating
of hydrogen (i.e., reduction of the solvent).
M+ (am) + e- (am) + NH3 ( ℓ ) → MNH2 (am) + ½ H2 (g)
1
(Where ‘am’ denotes solution in ammonia).Or, NH3 + e-→ NH2− + H2 .
2
Decomposition is accelerated by the presence of many transition metal compounds, e.g., by
stirring the solution with a rusty iron wire. The solution of metals in liquid ammonia act as
powerful reducing agents (it even reduces the aromatic ring).
C08: AICE Module-23 47
 O2 +e-→ O 2− ; O 2 + 2e − → O 22 − (change of oxidation states from 0 to -1).
[Ni(CN)4]2- + 2e-→ [Ni (CN)4]4- (change of oxidation states from + 2 to 0).
GeH4 +e-→ GeH2- + ½H2, S+2e-→ S2- (change of oxidation states from 0 to -2).
[Fe(CO)5] + 2e- → [Fe (CO)4]2-+CO (change of oxidation states from 0 to -2).
Like alkali metals, the alkaline earth metals, except beryllium, dissolve in liquid ammonia to
give a deep blue-black solution forming ammoniated ions. The colour is due to the spectrum
from solvated electrons.
M + (x + y) NH3→ [M (NH3)x]2+ + 2 [e (NH3)y]-
These solutions decompose very slowly forming amides but the reaction is accelerated by
many transition metals and their compounds.
2NH3 + 2e-→ 2NH-2 +H2
Evaporation of ammonia from the solution of alkali metals yields the metal, but with alkaline
earth metals evaporation of ammonia gives hexammoniates of the metals, [M (NH3)6]2+. These
slowly decompose to give amides.
[M (NH3)6]2+→M (NH2)2 +4NH3 + H2.

ILLUSTRATIONS
Q. The correct order of size of the ions is:
a) Li+> Na+> K+> Cs+ b) Cs+> K+> Na+ > Li+
c) Cs > Na > K > Li
+ + + + d) Cs+> Li+> Na+> K+
Ans: Down the group, the size of ions increases because of the increase in the number of atomic
shells.
The increase in the number of atomic shells over weighs the increase in effective nuclear
charge. Therefore (b) option is correct.
Q. Which of the following has the highest hydration enthalpy in an aqueous solution?
(A) Na+ (B) Be2+ c) Ba2+ 4) Cs+
Ans: The hydration enthalpies of alkaline earth metal ions are larger than those of alkali metal
ions on earth metal ions decrease with increase in ionic size down the group.
Be2+> Mg2+> Ca2+> Sr2+> Ba2+ . Therefore (b) option is correct.
Q. Which one the following metals is most commonly used in photoelectric cells?
a) Li b) Ca c) Cs d) Fr
Ans: The ionization enthalpies of the alkali metals are considerably low and decrease down the
group from Li to Cs. This is because the effect increasing size outweighs the increasing
nuclear charge, and the outermost electrons are very well screened from the nuclear charge.
When alkali metals are irradiated with light, the light energy absorbed may be sufficient to
make an atom lose an electron. This property make cesium and potassium useful as
electrodes in photoelectric cells. Therefore (c) option is correct.
Q. A blue coloured solution of sodium in liquid ammonia at -33°C behaves as strong reducing
agent because of:
a) The formation of ammoniated sodium b) The formation of ammoniated electron
c) The formation of sodium amide d) The formation of sodium nitride
Ans: The solution of metals in liquid ammonia act as powerful reducing agents (it even reduces
the aromatic ring) because of ammoniated electron(b),
Na +(x + y) NH3 → [Na (NH3)x ]+ + [ e (NH3 )y]-
Eg., O2 + e-→ O2-; O2 + 2e-→ O 22 − (change of oxidation states from 0 to -1)
[Ni (CN)4]2- + 2e-→ [Ni (CN)4]4- change of oxidation states from + II to 0)

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE COMPOUNDS OF THE ALKALI METALS AND ALKALINE

EARTH METALS:
Compounds of the alkali metals are generally ionic in nature. One combustion, in the excess of
air, alkali metals from different type of oxides as given in the following table:

48 EXPERT
Principal Combustion Product (Minor Product).

Alkali Metal Oxide Peroxide Superoxide

Li Li2O (Li2O2)
Na (Na2O) Na2O2
K KO2
Rb RbO2
Cs CsO2

The increasing stability of the peroxide or superoxide, as the size of the metal ion increases, is
due to the stabilization of large anions by larger cations through lattice energy effects, these
oxides are easily hydrolyzed by water to form hydroxides according to the following reactions:

M2O + H2O → 2M+ + 2OH-

M2O2 + 2H2O → 2M+ + 2OH- + H2O2
2MO2 + 2H2O → 2M+ + 2OH- + H2O2 +O2

The oxides and the peroxides are colourless when pure, but the superoxides are yellow or
orange in colour. LiO2 and NaO2 are yellow. KO2 and CsO2 are orange whereas RbO2 is brown in
colour. The superoxides are also paramagnetic. The hydroxides are all white crystalline solids.
The alkali metal hydroxides are the strongest of all bases and dissolve freely in water with the
evolution of much heat on the account of intense hydration.
The melting and boiling points of alkali metal halides always follow the trend:
fluoride> chloride > bromide > iodide.
All alkali metal halides are generally soluble in water. The low solubility of LiF in water is due
to its high lattice enthalpy whereas the low solubility of CsI is due to the smaller hydration
enthalpy of its two ions. Other halides of lithium are soluble in ethanol, acetone and ethyl
acetate; LiCl is soluble in pyridine also.
The alkali metals form salts with all oxo – acids. The thermal stability of oxy-acid salt generally
increases down the group with increasing metallic character, i.e. electropositive character.
They are generally soluble in water and thermally stable. Their carbonates (M2CO3) and in
most cases the hydrogencarbonates (MHCO3) also are highly stable to heat. As the
electropositive character increases down the group, the stability of the carbonate and
hydrogencarbonates increases.
Group 1 metals are so strongly basic, that they (except lithium) also form solid bicarbonates.
No other metals form solid bicarbonates. Lithium carbonate is not so stable to heat. Its
hydrogencarbonates do not exist as solids. Although NH4HCO3 also exists as a solid. 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 and (b) in KHCO3, HCO3-forms a
dimeric anion.
2-
O O O
O O
O H O
H C H C C O
H C O C
O H O
O O O O
Figure 8: Hydrogen Bonding in NaHCO 3 and KHCO 3

The solubility of the alkali metal salts except fluorides, carbonates and hydroxides decreases
down the group from Li to Cs. This is because of the fact that down the group with the
increasing size of the cation the lattice energy as well as hydration energy also decrease but the
change in hydration energy is more as compared to that of lattice energy. The alkaline earth
metals form compounds which are predominantly ionic but less than the alkaline earth metals,

C08: AICE Module-23 49

 which form compounds of alkali metals, This is due to an increased nuclear charge and smaller
size. The oxide and other compounds of beryllium and magnesium are more covalent than
those formed by the heavier and large sized member (Ca, Sr, Ba). The alkaline earth metals
bum in oxygen to form the monoxide, MO which, except for BeO has a rock-salt structure. The
BeO is essentially covalent in nature. The enthalpies of formation of these oxides are quite high
and consequently they are very stable to heat. BeO is amphoteric while oxides of other
elements are ionic in nature. All these oxides except BeO are basic in nature and react with
water to form sparingly soluble hydroxides.
MO + H2O → M (OH)2.
The solubility, thermal stability and the basic character of these hydroxides increases with the
increasing atomic number form Mg (OH)2. The alkaline earth metal hydroxides are however,
less basic and less stable than alkali metal hydroxides, Beryllium hydroxide is amphoteric in
nature as it react with acid and alkali both.

Be(OH)2 + 2OH → [Be (OH)4]2- (beryllate ion)

Be (OH)2 +2HCI + 2H2O → [Be (H2O)4 ] Cl2

The anhydrous halides of alkaline earth metals are polymeric. Except for beryllium halides, all
other halides of alkaline earth metal are ionic in nature. Beryllium halides are essentially
covalent and soluble in organic solvents. Beryllium chloride vapours contains BeCl2 and
(BeCl2)2 but the solid is polymerized. Beryllium chloride in the solid state has a chain structure
as shown below:

CI CI
CI CI
Be Be
CI Be CI CI Be Be CI Be

CI CI CI CI

Figure 9: Beryllium Chloride in solid state

In the vapour phase BeCl2 tends to form a chloro-bridged dimer which dissociates into the
linear monomer at a high temperature of the order of 1200 K.
The tendency to form hydrates gradually decreases (for example, MgCl2.6H2O, CaCl2.6H2O,
SrCl2.6H2O and BaCl22H2O) 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.
The fluorides are relatively less soluble thanthe chlorides owing to their high lattice energies.
Carbonate of alkaline earth metals are insoluble in water and can be precipitated by the
addition of a sodium or ammonium carbonate solution to a solution of a soluble salt of these
metals. The solubility of carbonates in water decreases as the atomic number of the metal ion
increases. All carbonates decompose on heating to give carbon dioxide and the oxide. Beryllium
carbonate is unstable and can be kept only in the atmosphere of CO2. The thermal stability
increases with increasing cationic size.
The sulphates of the alkaline earth metals are all white solids and are stable to heat. BeSO4 and
MgSO4 are readily soluble in water, the solubility decreases from CaSO4 to BaSO4. The greater
hydration enthalpies of Be2+ and Mg2+ ions overcome the lattice enthalpy factor and therefore
their sulphates are soluble in water.
The nitrates are made by the dissolution of the carbonate in dilute nitric acid, magnesium
nitrate crystallizes with six molecules of water, whereas barium nitrate crystallizes as the
anhydrous salt. This again shows a decreasing tendency to form hydrates with increasing size
and decreasing hydration enthalpy. All of them decompose on heating to give an oxide like
lithium nitrate.
2M (NO3)2→ 2MO + 4 NO2 + O2 (M = Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba)

50 EXPERT
 The solubility of the alkaline earth metal salts except hydroxides and fluorides decreases down
the group from Be to Ba. This is because of the fact that down the group with the increasing
size of the cation, the lattice energy as well as hydration energy also decreases, but the change
in hydration energy is more as compare to that of lattice energy. Except BeF2 all other fluorides
are water insoluble. The solubility of beryllium fluoride in water is due to higher salvation
energy on account of the higher polarizing power of Be2+. The Thermal stability of oxy-acid
salts of alkaline earth metals generally increases down the group with increasing metallic
character, i.e. electropositive character.

Note: Low thermal stability of Li2CO3 can be explained as follows: Li O

The small Li+ ion exerts as strong polarizing action and distorts the
electron cloud of nearby oxygen atom of the large CO32- ion. This C O
results in the Weakening of C-O bond and strengthening of Li-O Li O
bond, favouring the formation of Li2O and CO2. High lattice energy
of Li2O than Li2CO3 also favours the decomposition of Li2CO3

ILLUSTRATIONS
Q. Select the correct set of statements.
(i) Solubility of alkali hydroxides is in order, CsOH > RbOH> KOH> NaOH > LiOH
(ii) Solubility of alkali carbonates is in order, Li2CO3> Na2CO3> K2CO3> Rb2CO3> Cs2O3
(iii) Hydrated radii is in order, Li+< Na+< K+< Rb+< Cs+
(iv) Stability of peroxides is in order, Na2O2< K2O2< Rb2O2< Cs2O2
The options are :
(A) (i) , (iv) (B) (i), (iii) (C) (ii), (iii), (iv) D) All
Ans: Compare the lattice energy and the hydration energy of the cations.
(i) While going from lithium to cesium hydroxide, the decrease in lattice energy is more as
compared to that of hydration energy. So, the solubility of hydroxides increases down the
group
(iv). This is because of fact that the bigger cation stabilizes the bigger anion through crystal
lattice energy.
Therefore (A) option is correct.

ANOMALOUS PROPERTIES OF LITHIUM

The anomalous behaviour of lithium is due to the:
(i) exceptionally small size of its atom and ion, and
(ii) high polarizing power (i.e., charge/ radius ratio).

As a result, there is an increased covalent character of lithium compounds, which is responsible

for their solubility in an organic solvent. Further, lithium show a diagonal relationship to
magnesium.

Point of Difference between Lithium and other Alkali Metals

1. Lithium is much harder. Its melting point and boiling point are higher than the other alkali
metals.
2. Lithium is the least reactive but the strongest reducing agent among all the alkali metals. On
combustion in air it forms mainly monoxide Li2O and the nitride, Li3N unlike other alkali
metals.
3. The lithium ion itself, and also its compounds are more heavily hydrated than those of the rest
of the group. LiCl is deliquescent and crystallizes as a hydrate. LiCl.2H2O whereas other alkali
metal chlorides do not form hydrates.
4. Lithium hydrogencarbonates is not obtained in the solid form while all other elements from
solid hydrogencarbonates.

C08: AICE Module-23 51

 5. Lithium unlike other alkali metal forms no ethynide on reaction with ethyne.
6. Lithium nitrate when heated gives lithium oxide, Li2O, whereas other alkali metal nitrates
decompose to give the corresponding nitrite.
4LiNO3→ 2Li2O +4NO2 +O2
500o C
2NaNO3 ↽ ⇀ Z2NaNO2 + O2;
500o C
4NaNO3 ↽ ⇀ 2NaNO2 + 5O2 + 2N2

2NaNO2 + 2HCl → 2NaCl + H2O + NO2 + NO; 2NO + O2→ 2NO2

2NaNO3 + C → 2NaNO2 + CO2

7. LiF and Li2O are comparatively much less soluble in water than the corresponding compounds
of other alkali metals.
8. Lithium hydroxide is less basic than the other hydroxides in the group and therefore, many of
its salts are less stable, Li2CO3, LiNO3 and LiOH all form the oxides on gentle heating; the
analogues compounds of the rest of the group are stable. Another example of its less basic
nature is that through lithium forms bicarbonates in solution, it does not form solid
bicarbonate, whereas the other all form stable solid carbonates.
9. Lithium reacts directly with carbon to form anionic carbide. None of the other group aelements
do this, but group 2 elements all react similarly with carbon.
10. Lithium has a great tendency to form complex, than have the heavier elements, and
ammoniated salts such as [Li(NH3)4]+ exists as solids.

ILLUSTRATIONS
Q. Which of the following alkali metal ions has the lowest mobility in aqueous solution?
(A) Li+ (B) Na+ (c) K+ d) Cs+
Ans: Mobility depends upon the cationic size and the tendency of the cation to get hydrated.
Because Li+ has the smallest size, so it is highly hydrated and its effective size becomes larger
therefore mobility decreases in aqueous medium.
Therefore (A) option is correct.
Q. Give the reaction of the thermal decomposition of the nitrate of sodium. Explain the
occurrence of the reaction in term of energy factor. What is the pH expected of an aqueous
solution of NaNO3. Why?
Ans: The occurrence of the reaction depends upon the stability of the reactant and the product
formed pH depends upon the hydrolysis extent.
1
NaNO3 (s) → NaNO2 (s) + O2 (g)
2
Since the size of NO2− is less than that of NO3− , this results in the formation of a more stable
ionic lattice when bonded to a sodium ion. The pH of solution would be about 7 since neither
the cation
Nor the anion undergoes hydrolysis to any appreciable extent.

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= 152pm, Mg = 160 pm; ionic radii : Li+ = 76pm, Mg2+ = 72pm.
The main points of similarity are:
1. Both lithium and magnesium are harder and lighter than other elements in their respective
groups.
2. Lithium and magnesium react slowly with water. Their oxides and hydroxides are much less
soluble and their hydroxides decompose on heating. Both form a nitrides,Li3N and Mg3N2 by
direct combination with nitrogen.
3. The oxides. Li2O and MgO do not combine with excess oxygen to give any superoxide.

52 EXPERT
4. The carbonates of lithium and magnesium decompose easily on heating to form the oxides and
CO2. Solid hydrogecarbonates are not formed by lithium and magnesium.
5. Both LiCl and MgCl2 are soluble in ethanol.
6. Both LiCland MgCl2 are deliquescent and crystallize from aqueous solution as hydrates,
LiCl.2H2O and MgCl2. 6H2O.

ILLUSTRATIONS
Q. About alkali metal-liquid NH3 solution which of following statement is not true?
(A) Blue colour is due to ammoniated electrons.
(B) Blue colour changes to bronze on dilution due to formation of metal ion clusters.
(C) With an increase in concentration alkali metals paramagnetic nature decreases due to
electron-electron combination.
(D) On heating, the blue colour becomes colourless due to the formation of a metal amid and
H2 gas.
Ans: The change depicts the formation of some complex structures.
Blue colour changes to bronze with increase in concentration of alkali metal due to
formation of metal ion clusters. Therefore (B) option is correct.
Q. (A) Give the three different crystal structure of NaO2?
(B) Soidum sulphide is readily oxidized by air to form sodium thiosulphate. Write the
chemical reaction only.
(C) Group 1 sulphides hydrolyze appreciably in water, giving strongly alkaline solutions.
Explain?
Ans: Sodium, the alkali metal has been discussed over here, which is highly reactive metal and
forms sodium thiosulphate in its sulphide form.
(A) NaO2 exists in following three different crystal structures at different temperatures:
(i) Marcasite structure at - 50°C,
(ii) Pyrite structure at -77°C
(iii) Calcium carbide structure at room temperature.
(B) 2Na2S + 2O2 + H2O → Na2S2O3 +2NaOH
(C) Na2S hydrolyses in water according to the following reaction.
2Na2S + H2O → NaSH +NaOH
Q. The properties of Li are similar to those of Mg. This is because.
(A) Both have nearly the same size
(B) The ratio of their charge to size is nearly the same.
(C) Both have similar electronic configurations.
(D) Both are found together in nature
Ans: We discuss about the diagonal relation of the alkali and the alkali earth metals over here,
wherein similarities are pointed out.
They are diagonally related because of same polarizing power, polarizing power = charge on
cation/ size of cation. Therefore. (B) Option is correct.
Q. Magnesium burns in air to give :
(A) MgO (B) Mg3N2 c) MgCO3 D) MgO and Mg3N2
both
Ans: Magnesium
Mg burns in air to form both MgO and Mg3N2
∆ ∆
2Mg + O2  → 2MgO; 3Mg + N2  → Mg3N2 Therefore, (D) option is correct.

C08: AICE Module-23 53

ANOMALOUS BEHAVIOUR OF BERYLLIUM
Beryllium, the first member of the Group 2 metals, shows R
C
anomalous behaviour as compared to magnesium and rest of
O
the members of the group. Further, it shows a diagonal
relationship to aluminium. Be
Be
O
1. Beryllium has an exceptionally small atomic and ionic size O
and thus does not compare well with other members of the C R
group. Becauseof the high ionization enthalpy and small size Be Be O
it forms compound,which is largely covalent and gets easily
hydrolyzed. O O
2. Beryllium does not exhibit a coordination number more than C
four as in its valence shell there are only four orbital. The CH3
remaining members of the group can have a coordination
number of six by making use of d-orbitals.
3. The Oxide and hydroxide of beryllium, unlike the hydroxides of other elements in the group are
amphoteric in nature.
4. Beryllium hydride is electron deficient and polymeric, with multicenter bonding like
aluminium hydride.
5. The most unusual oxygen containing complexes of Be have the formula Be4O(O2CR)6 and are
formed by refluxing Be (OH)2 with carboxylic acids. These white crystalline compounds are
soluble in non-polar organic solvents, such as alkanes, but are insoluble in water and lower
alcohols. In a solution, the compoundS are unionized and monomeric.
The central oxygen atom is tetrahedral surrounded by the four Be atoms and each Be atom is
tetrahedrally surrounded by four oxygen atoms. The six acetate groups are arranged along the
six edges of the tetrahedral ion.

Diagonal Relationship between Beryllium and Aluminium

The ionic radius of Be2+ is estimated to be 31pm; the charge/radius ratio is nearly the same as
that of the Al3+ ion. Hence beryllium resembles aluminium in some ways. Some of the
similarities are:
1. Like aluminium, beryllium is not readily attacked by acids because of the presence of an oxide
film on the surface of the metal, i.e. they are rendered passive by nitric acid.
2. Beryllium hydroxide dissolves in excess of alkali to give a beryllate ion, [Be (OH)4]2- just as
aluminium hydroxide gives the aluminate ion, [Al (OH)4]-.
3. The chlorides of both beryllium and aluminium have Cl- bridged chloride structure in the
vapourPhase.
Both the chlorides are soluble in organic solvents and are strong Lewis acids. They are used as
Friedel Craft catalysts.
4. Beryllium and aluminium ions have a strong tendency to form complexes, BeF42 − and AIF63 −
respectively.

COMPOUNDS OF ALKALI METALS

Sodium Oxide (Na2O)
Preparation:
1. By reduction of nitrites and nitrates of sodium with metallic sodium:
NaNO3 + 10Na → 6Na2O + N2;
2NaNO2 + 6Na → 4Na2O +N2
2. By heating sodium in limited supply of air at 180°C: Na + O2→ Na2O
3. Pure sodium oxide is formed when the mixture of sodium azide and sodium nitrite is heated
3NaN3 + NaNO2→ 2Na2O + 5N2

54 EXPERT
Properties:
1. It is a white amorphous substance. It reacts with water violently forming sodium hydroxide
and evolving a large amount of heat energy Na2O + H2O → 2NaOH
2. On heating at 400°C , it decomposes forming sodium peroxide and metallic sodium vapour.
400°C
2Na2O  → Na2O2 + 2Na
3. Reaction with liquid ammonia; Na2O +NH3→ NaNH2 +NaOH.
USE: It is used as a dehydrating agent and polymerizing agent in organic chemistry.

Sodium Peroxide (Na2O2)

Preparation:
1. It is formed by heating sodium in an excess of air, free from moisture and carbon dioxide or in
350°C
excess of pure oxygen. 2Na + O2 (excess)  → Na2O2
2. Industrial method: It is a two stage reaction in the presence of excess air.
1 1
2Na + O2→ Na2O; Na2O + O2→ Na2O2
2 2
Properties:
1. It is a pale yellow (when impure) hygroscopic powder stable towards heat in dry air.
On exposure to moist air, it becomes white as it reacts with moisture and carbon dioxide.
2Na2O2 + 2H2O → 4NaOH + O2
2NaOH + CO2→ Na2CO3 + H2O; 2Na2O2+ 2CO2→ 2Na2CO3 +O2
2. Action of water:
Na2O2 + 2H2O  → 2NaOH + H2O2; 2Na2O2 +2H2O 
cold
→ 4NaOH + O2
warm

3. Action of Acid:
Na2O2 +H2SO4  → Na2SO4 + H2O2 ;
cold

2Na2O2 +H2SO4  → 2Na2SO4 + 2H2O+O2

warm

4. Reaction with CO and CO2:

Na2O2 +CO → Na2CO3; 2Na2O2 + 2CO2 → 2Na2CO3 + O2
So, it is used to purify the air in a submarine and confined spaces as it removes both CO and CO2
and gives oxygen.
5. It is a powerful oxidant and many of its reactions are dangerously violent, particularly with the
reducing agents, such as Al powder charcoal, sulphur and many organic liquids.
(a) Chromic compounds are oxidized to chromates
2Cr (OH)3 + 3Na2O2→ 2Na2CrO4 + 2NaOH + 2H2O or
2Cr (OH)3 + 3022 − → 2CrO24− + 2OH- +2H2O

(b) Manganous salt is oxidized to sodium manganate.

MnSO4+2Na2O2→ Na2MnO4 + Na2SO4 or Mn (OH)2 + 2022 − → MnO24− + 2OH-
(c) Sulphides are oxidized to corresponding sulphats
Na2O2 → Na2O + [O] ; Na2S+4[O] → Na2SO4
Na2O2→ Na2O + [O] ; 2Al + 3[O] → Al2O3
6. Benzoyl peroxide (bleaching agent) is formed when C6H5COCl reacts with Na2O2.
2C6H5 COCl + Na2O2→C6H5CO-O-O-COC6H5 (benzoyl peroxide) + 2NaCl
7. Reduces stronger oxidizing agent such as acidified KMnO4
450°
2MnO4− + 16H+ + 5O22 − → 2Mn2+ + 8H2O + 5O2; Na2O2 +O2  → 2NaO2
300atm

Use:
1. Used for the production of oxygen under the name ozone.
2. It is used as a bleaching agent for bleaching wood pulp, paper and fabrics such as cotton and
linen.

C08: AICE Module-23 55

 Potassium Superoxide (KO2)
Preparation:
1) It is prepared by burning potassium in the excess of oxygen free from moisture.
K + O2→ KO2
Properties:
1) It is an orange coloured (chrome yellow) powder and reacts with water according to
following reaction. 2KO2 + 2H2O → 2KOH + H2O2 + O2
2) It reacts directly with CO and CO2.
2KO2 + CO → K2CO3 + O2
3
2KO2 + CO2→ K2 CO3 + O2
2
If More C02 in presence of moisture is present; then 4KO2 + 4CO2 + 2H2O→ 4KHCO3+ 3O2
3) On heating with sulphur, it forms potassium sulphate; 2KO2 + S → K2SO4

Use: It is used as an oxidizing agent and air purifier in space capsules, submarine and Breathing
mask as it produce O2 and removes CO2

Potassium Sesquioxide (K2O3)

It is obtained when oxygen is passed through liquid ammonia containing potassium.
3O
4K (dissolved in liquid NH3). 
→ 2K2O3
2

Sodium Hydroxide Or Caustic Soda (NaOH)

Preparation: It is most conveniently manufactured by one of the following processes,
a) Methods involving sodium carbonate as a starting matererial:
1) Gossage process (causticising process):
Na2CO3 + Ca (OH)2⇌CaCO3 + 2NaOH
The most suitable concentration of sodium carbonate taken in this process is 15-20%. The
caustic soda produced by this method is not pure and contains some calcium carbonate,
sodium carbonate and calcium hydroxide as impurities.
2) Lowig’s process: Na2CO3 + Fe2O3  → 2NaFeO2 + CO2
red heat

The sodium ferrite is cooled and thrown into hot water, the hydrolysis of sodium ferrite occurs
forming NaOH. 2NaFeO2 + H2O→2NaOH + Fe2O3
3) Methods involving sodium chloride as starting material:
Electrolysis of sodium chloride solution occurs according to following principle.
NaCl⇌ Na+ + Cl- ; H2O⇌ H+ +OH-
On passing electricity Na+and H+ ions move towards cathode and Cl- and OH- ions move
towards the anode. The discharge potential of H+ ions is less than Na+ ions, thus hydrogen ions
get discharges easily and hydrogen is liberated. Similarly, at anode Cl- ions are easily
discharged as their discharge potential is less than that of OH- ions. Cl2 gas is, therefore,
liberated at the anode. It is necessary that chlorine should not come in contact with sodium
hydroxide during electrolysis, otherwise the following reaction will take place.
2NaOH +Cl2→ NaCl + NaClO + H2O

To overcome this problem, the anode is separated from the cathode in the electrolytic cell
either by using a porous diaphragm or by using a mercury cathode.
(a) The mercury cathode cell (Castner-Kellner cell):
In this cell mercury flows along the bottom of the cell and is a made cathode.
The brine solution flows in the same direction and the anode consists of a number of graphite
blocks. The brine is electrolyzed and since, hydrogen has a high overvoltage at the mercury
cathode, sodium is preferentially discharged forming an amalgam with mercury.

56 EXPERT
 At the anode (1) Carbon anodes (+ve)
2Cl- → Cl2 +2e-

At the cathode (-)

Na++e-→ Na Spent
Na + Hg → NaHg Strong
brine out Brine in

Hg in

Na/Hg

out
Moving Mercury Cathode (-ve)

Figure 13: Castner –Kellner cell

The sodium amalgam flows out and is reacted with water to give NaOH
2NaHg + 2H2O → 2NaOH + 2Hg + H2
The mercury is re-circulated to the cell. Hydrogen and chlorine are the two important by-
products.
(b) Diaphragm cell:
In this type of cell as shown in figure (b) alkali and chlorine are kept separate by the use of a
diaphragm and an contact with a negative wire gauze, electrolysis begins. Chlorine is liberated
at the graphite anode and sodium hydroxide is formed at the outside edges of the cathode.
At the anode (+) 2Cl-→ Cl2 + 2e-
Carbons anodes (+ve)
Cl

Brine
At the cathode (-)

H2O + e-→ 1/2H2 +-OH

Asbestos
Na+-OH
diaphragm
H Wire gauze
Cathode (-ve)
O
Caustic soda out

c) Using Nafion Membrane Cell:

The natural brine (NaCl) is now electrolyzed in a membrane cell in which the anode and the
cathode are separated by a NAFION membrane. Nafion is a copolymer of tetrafluoromethylene
and pentafluorosulphonyl ethoxyether. The copolymer is supported by a Teflon mesh.
2NaCl (aq) + H2O (ℓ)    → 2NaOH (aq) + H2 (g) + Cl2 (g)
Electrolysis

Presently the method makes use of Nafion membrane in place of diaphragm.

C08: AICE Module-23 57
Preparation of pure sodium hydroxide
Commercial sodium hydroxide is purified with the help of an alcohol. Sodium hydroxide
dissolves in alcohol, while impurities like NaCl, Na2CO3, Na2SO4 etc., remain insoluble. The
alcoholic filtrate is distilled. The alcohol distils off while pure solid hydroxide is left behind.

Properties:
(i) It is a white crystalline solid and has a soapy touch
(ii) Its density is 2.13 g/mL and melting point is 3184°C
(iii) It is highly soluble in water and is bitter in taste, and is corrosive in nature.
(iv) Neutralization and hydrolysis reactins:
3NaOH + H3PO4→Na3PO4 + 3H2O; NaOH + HNO3→ NaNO3 +H2O
These are non-redox type of reactions.
(v) Reaction with acidic oxides:
2NaOH + CO2 → Na2CO3 + H2O
2NaOH + 2NO2→ NaNO2 + NaNO3 + H2O; 2NaOH + SO3→ Na2SO4 + H2O
(vi) Reaction with amphoteric oxides:
PbO + 2NaOH → Na2PbO2 + H2O; ZnO + 2NaOH→ Na2ZnO2 + H2O
SnO + 2NaOH → Na2SnO2 + H2O; SnO2 + 2NaOH → Na2SnO3 + H2O

(vii) Reacts with non-metals:

(a) Halogens
1) With cold & dilute NaOH: 2NaOH + Br2→ NaBr + NaOBr + H2O
2) with hot & concentrated NaOH: 6NaOH + 3Br2→5NaBr + NaBrO3 + 3H2O
F2 with cold & dilute NaOH gives OF2 and with hot & concentrated NaOH gives O2

(b) with white phosphorus : 3NaOH + P4→ 3NaH2 PO2 + PH3

(c) with sulphur : 6NaOH + 4S → 2Na2S + Na2S2O3 + 3H2O
(d) with boron : 2B + 6NaOH → 2Na3BO3 + 3H2
(e) with silicon : 2NaOH + Si + H2O → Na2SiO3 + 2H2

(viii) Reaction with metals and salts:

a) Reaction with amphoteric metals (e.g. Al, Pb, Sn, Zn etc)
They liberate hydrogen gas.
4NaOH + 2H2O + 2Al → 2NaAlO2 + 3H2
6NaOH + 2Al → 2Na3AlO3+ 3H2; Zn + NaOH →Na2ZnO2 + H2
b) Reaction with salts of amphoteric metals:
Salts dissolve in sodium hydroxide (excess)
SnCl2 + 2NaOH → Sn (OH)2↓ (white) + 2NaCl;
Sn (OH)2+2NaOH → Na2SnO2 + 2H2O
c) Reaction with salts of Cr, Ni, Fe, Mn. Cu etc.
Form insoluble hydroxides
CrCl3 + 3NaOH → Cr (OH)3↓ (green) + 3NaCl;
CuCl2 +2NaOH → Cu (OH)2↓ (blue) + 2NaCl
d) Reaction with salts of Hg and Ag:
HgCl2 + 2NaOH → Hg (OH)2↓ + 2NaCl; Hg(OH)2→HgO↓ (yellow or brown) + H2O
2AgNO3 + 2NaOH → 2AgOH + 2NaNO3; 2AgOH→Ag2O ↓ (black) + H2O
(e) Reaction with ammonium salts: It liberates ammonia from both ammonium salts and
coordinaton complexes where ammonia acts as ligand.
∆
(NH4)2SO4 +NaOH  → Na2SO4 + 2NH3 + 2H2O;
6NaOH + 2[Co (NH3)6] Cl3→12NH3 + Co2O3 + 6NaCl + 3H2O

58 EXPERT
 150 − 200°C
(ix) Reaction with carbon monoxide : NaOH + CO    → HCOONa
5 −10atm

(x) Reaction with H2S: NaOH + H2S→ NaSH + H2O; NaSH + NaOH → Na2S + H2O
It is used to remove mercaptans from petroleum products.
(xi) Reaction with alcohols: NaOH + EtOH → NaOEt + H2O

Caustic Property
Sodium hydroxide is a powerful cautery and breaks down the proteins of skin to a pasty mass.
On Account of this property, it is commonly called caustic soda.

Potassium Hydroxide (KOH)

It is prepared by the electrolysis of KCl solution. 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.
KOH is called caustic potash, because of their corrosive properties (for example on glass or on
skin) and its aqueous solution is known as potash lye.
2KOH + 4NO → 2KNO2 + N2O + H2O; 4KOH + 6NO →4KNO2 + N2 + 2H2O
It is used for the absorption of gases like CO2, SO2, etc. It is used for making soft soaps.

Sodium Carbonate or Washing Soda (Na2CO3)

1) By Solvay ammonia soda process:
It involves following steps.
(a) Saturation of brine with ammonia and CO2(In ammonia absorber):
2NH3 + CO2 + H2O → (NH4)2 CO3
CaCl2 + (NH4)2 CO2→CaCO3↓+2NH4Cl; MgCl2 + (NH4)2CO3→ MgCO3↓ + 2NH4Cl
Ammoniated brine is filtered to remove calcium and magnesium impurities as their insoluble
carbonates.
(b) Formation of insoluble NaHCO3 (In carbonation tower):
30°C
NH3 + CO2 + H2O →NH4HCO3; NH4HCO3 + NaCl  → NaHCO3 + NH4Cl
Reaction is exothermic and hence there is a cooling arrangement.
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
150°C
(c) Calcination to get sodium carbonate: 2NaHCO3  → Na2CO3 + CO2 + H2O
(d) Recovery of ammonia and carbon dioxide (In recovery tower):
∆
NH4HCO3  → NH3 + CO2 + H2O;
( steam )
∆
2NH4Cl + Ca (OH)2 
→ 2NH3 + 2H2O + CaCl2
( steam )
CaCl2 is obtained as by product.
(e) Preparation of CO2 (In lime Kiln):
CaCO3  → CaO + CO2; CaO + H2O → Ca (OH)2 (slaked lime)
1375K

2) Le-Blanc process: It involves following steps

(a) NaCl + H2SO4 (Conc.) ∆ → NaHSO4 (salt cake) + HCl
furnace
∆
(b) NaHSO4+ NaCl → Na2SO4 + HCl
furnace
∆
(c) Na2SO4+CaCO3+4C furnace
→ Na 2 CO 3 + CaS + 4CO

Black ash contains 45% Na2CO3 is extracted with water when Na2CO3 dissolves leaving behind
insoluble as impurities called as alkali sludge or waste.

C08: AICE Module-23 59

Properties:
1) It is white crystalline solid. It is known in several hydrated forms. The common form is
decahydrate, Na2 CO3. 10H2O this form is called washing soda. The decahydrate form on
standing in air effloresces and crumbles to powder. It is monohydrate, Na2CO3 H2O
2) It is soluble in water with the evolution of considerable amount of heat. The solution is
alkaline.

HCl
NaHCO3  → NaCl + H2O+CO2
HCl

Na2 SiO2 SiO2

Water glass Na2CO3 CO2+H2O 2NaHCO3

Ca(OH)2
NaOH So2 SO2+H2O
Na2SO3   → Na2S2O3
sulphur
∆
CaCl2 CaCO3 + NaCl
NaHSO3
[2ZnCO2.3Zn (OH)2. H2O +Na2SO4 +CO2
Heated in znSO4 + H2O

Presence of SO2 (Basic Zinc Carbonate)

Na2S2O5
Sodium Meta bisulphite

In nature due to hydrolysisan equilibrium exists.

Na2CO3+2H2O ⇌2NaOH + H2CO3
Na2CO3 +NO + NO2→ 2NaNO2 +CO2
Bicarbonate precipitate normal carbonates while carbonates precipitate basic carbonates from
some metal salt solutions.
MgCl2 + NaHCO3→ MgCO3↓ + 2NaCl + CO2 +H2O
MgCl2 + 2Na2CO3 +H2O → MgCO3 + Mg (OH)2↓ 4NaCl + CO2;
NaNO3 + HCl → KNO3 +NaCl

Potassium Carbonate, Potash or Pearl ash (K2CO3)

Preparation:
1) By Le-Blanc process:
KCl + H2SO4 → KHSO4 +HCl ;KHSO4 + KCl → K2SO4 +HCl
K2SO4 + CaCO3 + 2C → K2CO3 +CaS + 2CO2

2) By Prechts Process:
a) 2KCl + 3(MgCO3. 3H2O) + CO2→ 2 (MgCO3. KHCO3. 4H2O) + MgCl2
140°C
b) 2 (MgCO3. KHCO3. 4H2O  → 2MgCO3↓ + K2CO3 + 9H2O + CO2
Or
20°C
2 (MgCO3. KHCO3. 4H2O) + MgO  → 3 (MgCO3 . 3H2O)↓ + K2CO3
It is a white powder and deliquescent in nature. The mixture of K2CO3 and Na2CO3 is used as a
fusion mixture in the laboratory. 2HNO3 + K2CO3→2KNO3 + CO2 +H2O.
The potassium carbonate like sodium carbonate, cannot be prepared by Solvay process
because of the intermediate, KHCO3 formed which is soluble in an appreciable amount in water.

60 EXPERT
Sodium Bicarbonate or Baking Soda ( NaHCO3)
It is obtained as the intermediate product in the Solvay ammonia soda process. Normal
carbonate can be changed to bicarbonate by passing carbon dioxide through its saturated
solution
Na2CO3+CO2+H2O → 2NaHCO3 (sparingly soluble).

Properties:
It is a white crystalline solid, sparingly soluble in water. The solution is alkaline in nature due
to hydrolysis. The solution is weakly basic and gives a yellow colour with methyl orange but no
colour with phenolphthalein. NaHCO3 + H2O ⇌ NaOH + H2CO3
On heating, it loses carbon dioxide and water forming sodium carbonate.
2NaHCO3→ Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2
Use:
It is largely used for making baking powder. Baking powder contains NaHCO3, Ca (H2PO4) and
starch. The Ca (H2PO4) is acidic and when water is added, it reacts with NaHCO3, giving CO2.
The starch is a filler. Improved baking powder contains about 40% starch, 30% NaHCO3, 20%
NaAl (SO4)2 and 10% Ca (H2 PO4)2. The NaAl (SO4)2 slowdown the reaction so the CO2 is given
off more slowly.

ILLUSTRATIONS
Q. What happens when:
(A) Anhydrous potassium nitrate s heated with excess of metallic potassium.
(B) Solution containing sodium carbonate and sodium sulphide is treated with sulphur
dioxide.
Ans: Methodology: Self – explanatory
(A) 2KNO3 +10K → 6K2O +N2
(B) Na2CO3 +2Na2S + 4SO2→ 3Na2S2O3 + CO2

Sodium Sulphate (Na2SO4. 10H2O)

It is also known as Glauber’s Salt
Preparation:
1) By heating NaCl with con.H2SO4: 2NaCl + H2SO4→Na2SO4 + 2HCl
2) By Hargreaves process:
4NaCl (dry lumps) + 2SO2(g) + 2H2O (g) + O2(g) → 2Na2SO4 + 4HCl

Properties:
1) It is a white crystalline solid and effloresces readily in dry air to form anhydrous sodium
sulphate.
2) It is reduced to sodium sulphide when heated with carbon.
Na2SO4 + 4C →Na2S + 4CO ↑
3) It gives sodium bisulphate when reacted with concentrated H2SO4.
Na2SO4 + H2SO4→ 2NaHSO4
4) Reaction with metal salts.
BaCl2 + Na2SO4→ BaSO4↓ + 2NaCl; Pb (NO3) + Na2SO4→ PbSO4↓ + 2NaNO3

Potassium Sulphate (K2SO4)

Preparation:
1) It is prepared by the reaction of potassium chloride or hydroxide with concentrated. H2SO4
2KCl + H2SO4→ K2SO4 + 2HCl ; 2KOH + H2SO4→ K2SO4 + 2H2O;
2) K2SO4 .MgSO4.6H2O + 2KCl →2K2SO4 + MgCl2 +6H2O

C08: AICE Module-23 61

Properties:
It is a white crystalline solid and soluble in water. It is used as a fertilizer for tobacco and
wheat.

COMPOUNDS OF ALKALINE EARTH METALS

Magnesium Oxide or Magnesia (MgO)
Preparation:
It can be prepared by following reaction.
2Mg + O2   → 2MgO;
burning
Mg(OH)2   → Mgo + H2O
heated

2Mg (NO3)2   → 2MgO + 4NO2 + O2 ; MgCO3 

heated
 → MgO + CO2
heated

Properties:
1) It is slightly soluble in water and forms magnesium hydroxide.
2) MgO + H2O → Mg (OH)2
3) It is basic in nature. It reacts with acids to form corresponding salts.
MgO +2HCl → MgCl2 + H2O
4) It is reduced by carbon at a very high temperature.
MgO + C →Mg + CO
Magnesium oxide when mixed with a saturated solution of magnesium chloride sets to a hard
mass like cement known as magnesia cement or Sorel’s cement. The composition is
MgCl2.5MgO.xH2O.

Magnesium Hydroxide [Mg (OH)2]

Preparation:
1) MgO + H2O → Mg (OH)2
2) MgCl2 + Ca (OH)2→ Mg (OH)2 +CaCl2,
3) MgCl2 +2NaOH → Mg (OH)2 + 2NaCl

Properties:
It is a white powder. It is sparingly soluble in water. It is basic in nature and forms a salt with
acids. It decomposes on heating. It readily dissolves in ammonium chloride solution and is,
therefore, not precipitated in group IIIrd of qualitative analysis.

HCl gas Electrolysisi

MgCl2 Mg
heated s presence of
In
Anhydrous NaCl

Ca(OH)2 Heat
MgCl2,6H2O Mg(OH)2 MgO

Na2HPO4 HI

+NH4Cl
Mg(NH4) PO4 NaHCO3 Heat MgI2.8H2O
MgCO3 H2SO4

HNO2
Strongly H2SO4
Heated
Mg(NO2)2.6H2O
MgSO4. 7H2O
Mg2P2O7

Magnesium
Pyrophosphate

62 EXPERT
 Mg (OH)2 + 2NH4Cl ⇌ MgCl2+ 2NH4OH.
Use: A suspension of Mg (OH)2 in water is used in medicine as an antacid under the name, milk
of magnesia

Magnesium Chloride (MgCl2.6H2O)

It occurs in nature as mineral carnallite, KCl, MgCl2 . 6H2O
Properties:
It is a colouriess crystalline solid, highly deliquescent and highly soluble in water.

Quick Lime, Slaked Lime and Lime water

1000°C H2O
Limestone Quick lime Slaked lime
(CaCO3) (CaO) [Ca(OH)2]

Suspension Suspended in water

(Milk of Lime)
Ca (OH2)
Filter

Clear Solution
(Lime Water)
Ca (OH)2
H2O C2H2Acetylene
+Coke Heated in electric CaC2 H2 H2O NH3
Furnace at 2000°C CaCN2 + C
(CaO +3C → CaC2 + CO) Nitrolim
(Fertilizer)
Ammonium
NH3 (Ammonia)
Compounds
Milk of lime (white washing)
H2O
CaO Ca(OH)2 Lime water (for the detection of CO2)
Quick Lime Slaked Lime Cl2
Bleaching Powder
Na2CO3
NaOH (Caustic – soda)
Slaking With SiO2
1part + 3 Or 4 parts + water
NaOH Solution
Slaked Silica
Sodalime lime
(A Mixture of Ca(OH)2 and NaOH
Good absorbent for number of gasses
Mortar
(Building material)

3Ca (OH)2 + 2Cl2→ Ca (OCl)2. Ca(OH)2.CaCl2.2H2O (Bleaching powder)

Magnesium Carbonate (MgCO3)

Preparation:
1. It can be prepared by adding sodium bicarbonate to a hot solution of magnesium salt.
MgSO4+ 2NaHCO3→ MgCO3 +Na2SO4 + H2O + CO2
2. 2MgSO4 + 2Na2CO3 + H2O → MgCO3. Mg (OH)2 + 2Na2SO4 + CO2
When CO2 gas is passed through the suspension of the basic carbonate of magnesium,
magnesium bicarbonate is formed which on heating forms MgCO3.
∆
MgCO3.Mg (OH)2 + 3CO2 + H2O → 2Mg (HCO3)2; Mg (HCO3)2  → MgCO3 + H2O + CO2

C08: AICE Module-23 63

Properties:
1) It dissolves readily in water containing an excess of carbon dioxide.
MgCO3 + CO2 + H2O → Mg (HCO3)2
2) It dissolves in acids forming salts with evolution of CO2
MgCO3 + 2HCl → MgCl2 + H2O + CO2

On heating, it decomposes with the evolution of CO2

MgCO3→MgO + CO2.
3)It forms double carbonates with alkali metal carbonates.
MgCO3 + Na2CO3→ Na2Mg (CO3)2 (Soluble)

Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)

Preparation:
It can be obtained by passing carbon dioxide through lime water or by adding sodium
carbonate solution to CaCl2.
Ca (OH)2 + CO2→ CaCo3 + H2O; CaCl2 + Na2CO3→ CaCO3 + 2NaCl.
The precipitate of CaCO3thus obtained is known as precipitated chalk.

Properties:
It is a white powder Insoluble in water. It dissolves in the presence of CO2 due to the formation
of calcium bicarbonate.
CaCO3+ H2O + CO2→ Ca (HCO3)2
Uses:
1) Precipitated chalk is used in tooth pastes and face powders, in medicine for indigestion, in
adhesives and in cosmetics.
2) Chalk is used in paints and distempers.

Magnesium Sulphate (MgSO4)

It occurs in nature as minerals kieserite (MgSO4.H2O), epsom salt (MgSO4. 7H2O) and kainite
(KCl.MgSO4.3H2O).
Preparation:
It is prepared by reacting magnesite (MgCO3) or dolomite with dilute sulphuric acid,
MgCO3 + H2SO4→ MgSO4 + H2O + CO2
MgCO3 + H2SO4→ MgSO4 + H2O + CO2
MgCO3.CaCO3 (dolomite) + 2H2SO4→MgSO4 + CaSO4 +2CO2 + 2H2O

Properties:
1) Heating effect: When heated to 150°C, it changes to monohydrate. On further heating, it
becomes anhydrous at200°C. On strong heating, it decomposes into MgO.
150°C 200° 1
MgSO4.7H2O  → MgSO4.H2O  → MgSO4  → MgO + SO2 +
stong
O2
heating 2
2) Magnesium sulphate when heated with lamp black at 800°C produces SO2 and CO2 gases.
2MgSO4 + C → 2MgO + 2SO2 + CO2
3) It forms double salts with alkali metal sulphates, e.g K2SO4.MgSO4.6H2O.

Calcium Sulphate (CaSO4)

If found in nature as an anhydride (CaSO4) and gypsum (CaSO4. 2H2O)
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

64 EXPERT
Properties:
1) It is a white crystalline solid. It is sparingly soluble in water and solubility decreases as
temperature increases.
2) It dissolves in dilute acids. It also dissolves in ammonium sulphate due to the formation of
double sulphate, (NH4)2SO4, CaSO4.H2O
3) Gypsum when heated first changes from monoclinic form to orthorhombic form without loss of
water. At 120°C , it loses three-fourth of its water of crystallization and forms hemihydrates,
(2CaSO4.H2O) which is commonly known as the Plaster of Paris. At 200oC it becomes
anhydrous.The anhydrous form is known as burnt plaster or dead plaster

12O°c 200°C
CaSO42H2O   → CaSO4.2H2O 
Heated
→ 2CaSO4.H2O  → CaSO4
Gypsum (orthorhombic) Plaster of Paris Anhydrous
(Monclinic) (Burnt plaster)

H2O Strongly 1100°C

H2O Heated
O 2 + SO 2 + CaO

(lime)
SO 3

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

Plaster of Paris (2CaSO4.H2O) (Calcium sulphate hemihydrates)

Preparation:
It is obtained when gypsum, calcium sulphate dehydrate (CaSO4.2H2O), is heated at 120°C
(303K).
2[CasO4.2H2O] → 2CaSO4.H2O (calcium sulphate hemihydrate) + 3H2O
Gypsum Plaster of Paris
Properties:
1) Plaster of Paris is a white powder.
2) It has the property of setting to a hard mass when a paste with water is allowed to stand aside
for some time. Slight expansion occurs during the setting as water is absorbed to reform
CaSO4.2H2O (gypsum). The setting process is exothermic the process of setting take place in
stages. In the first stage, there is a conversion of plaster of Pairs into an orthorhombic form of
gypsum (setting step) and in the second stage the orthorhombic form changes into a
monoclinic form (hardening steps).
→ CaSO4.2H2O     → CaSO4. 2H2O
Hardening
2CaSO4H2O)   
setting
H2 O

Plaster of Paris Orthorhombic Monoclinic

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.
C08: AICE Module-23 65
 ILLUSTRATIONS
Q. An element X exhibits only the +2 oxidation state in its compounds. The compounds are
white and frequently crystallize as hydrates. Its hydroxide used as an antacid is the least
soluble one in its family can be precipitated from solutions containing X2+ by NH3 (g).
Identity the element and give the balanced equations.
a) For the effect of heat on its hexahydrate) chloride.
b) For the precipitation of the hydroxide using aq. NH3.
Ans: The element is magnesium as its hydroxide known as milk of magnesia is used as an antacid.
∆
MgCl2. 6H2O(s)  → MgO (s ) + 2HCl(g) + 5H2O (g)
Mg (aq.) + 2NH3 (aq) + 2H2O ( ℓ ) → Mg (OH2) (s) + 2NH4+ (aq)
2+

Q. The correct order of stability of for the following super oxides is:
1) KO2>RbO2>CsO2 2) RbO2> CsO2>KO23) CsO2>RbO2>KO24)KO2>CsO2>RbO2
Ans: The approach should be as follows
i) The stability of super oxides depend on the polarizing power of the cation. Lesser the
polarizing power, greater is the stability of the superoxide ion.
ii) The polarizing power of cation of the same charge decreases with the increase in the size.
iii) Therefore, the stability of super oxides increases with increase in the size of cations.
iv) The increasing order of size of ion is : K+< Rb+ < Cs+.
v) The correct order of stability is : CsO2> RbO2> KO2

Q. Which one of the following orders presents the correct sequence of the increasing basic nature
of the given oxides?
1) K2O < Na2O < Al2O3< MgO 2)Al2O3< MgO < Na2O < K2O
3) MgO < K2O < Al2O3< Na2O 4) MgO < K2O < Na2O < Al2O3
Ans: Explanation: i) Basic nature of oxides increases with increase in the size of cation.
ii) The increasing order of cations is: Al3+ < Mg2+ < Na+ < K+
iii) Therefore the increasing correct order of basic strength is : Al2O3< MgO < Na2O < K2O
Conclusion: Correct option is: ‘2’.

PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS [KCET, NEET, JEE (Main)]

Questions from KCET

1. Solution of sodium metal in liquid ammonia is strongly reducing due to the presence in solution of
the following (2000)
1) sodium hydride 2) sodium amide
3)sodium atoms 4) solvated electrons
2. Which alkali metal ion has the lowest mobility in aqueous solution? (2000)
1) Rb+ 2) Cs+ 3) Li+ 4) Na+
3. Excess of Na+ ions in our system cause (2001)
1) High B.P 2) Low B.P 3) Diabetes 4) Anaemia
4. Smallest among these species is (2002)
1) Hydrogen 2) Helium 3) Lithium 4) Lithium ion
5. The correct order in which the first ionisation potential increases, is (2008)
1) K, Be, Na 2) Be, Na, K 3) Na, K, Be 4) K, Na, Be
6. The characteristic not related to alkali metal is (2009)
1) their ions are isoelectronic with noble gases 2) low melting point
3) low electronegativity 4) high ionization energy

66 EXPERT
7. For alkali metals, which one of the following trends in INCORRECT? (2010)
1) Ionization energy: Li > Na > K > Rb 2) Hydration energy: Li > Na > K > Rb
3) Atomic size : Li < Na < K < Rb 4) Density: Li < Na < K < Rb
8. The s-block element used as a catalyst in the manufacture of Buna –S rubber is (2012)
1) Mg 2) Ca 3) Ba 4) Na
9. Alkali metals have negative reduction potential and hence they behave as (2013)
1) Oxidising agents 2) Lewis bases 3) Reducing agents 4) Electrolytes
10. A metallic oxide reacts with water to form its hydroxide, hydrogen peroxide and also liberates
Oxygen. The metallic oxide could be (2014)
1) CaO 2) KO2 3) Li2O 4) Na2O2
11. Among the elements from atomic number 1 to 36, the number of elements which have an unpaired
electron in their s subshell is (2014)
1) 4 2) 7 3) 6 4) 9
12. Plaster of Paris is represented as [2017]
1
1) CaSO4 . H2O 2) CaSO4 . H2O 3) CaSO4 . 2H2O 4) CaSO4
2
13. Dead burnt plaster is (2018)
1
1) CaSO4 2) CaSO4. H2O 3) CaSO4.H2O 4) CaSO4.2H2O
2
14. Which of the following ions will cause hardness in water? (2018)
1) Ca2+ 2) Na+ 3) Cl− 4) K+
15. The metal nitrate that liberates NO2 on heating (2019)
1) NaNO3 2) LiNO3 3) KNO3 4) RbNO3
16. The oxide of potassium that does not exist is (2020)
1) KO2 2) K2O2 3) K2O3 4) K2O
17. The property of the alkaline earth metals that increases with their atomic number is
(2021)
1) ionisation enthalpy
2) Electronegativity
3) Solubility of their hydroxide in water
4) Solubility of their sulphate in water hence the solubility increases down the group.

Questions from NEET

1. The correct order of the mobility of the alkali metal ions in aqueous solution (2006)
1) Rb+> K+> Na+> Li+ 2) Li+> Na+> K+> Rb+
3) Na > K > Rb > Li
+ + + + 4) K+> Rb+> Na+> Li+
2. The correct order of increasing thermal stability of K2CO3, MgCO3, CaCO3 and BeCO3 is
(2007)
1) BeCO3< MgCO3< CaCO3< K2CO3 2) MgCO3< BeCO3< CaCO3< K2CO3
3) MgCO < MgCO3< CaCO3< BeCO3 4) BeCO3< MgCO3< K2CO3< CaCO3
3. In which of the following the hydration energy is higher than the lattice energy?
(2007 & 10)
1) MgSO4 2) RaSO4 3) SrSO4 4) BaSO4
4. Equimolar solutions of the following were prepared in water separately. Which one of the
solutions will record the highest pH? (2008)
1) MgCl2 2) CaCl2 3) SrCl2 4) BaCl2
5. The alkali metals form salt-like hydrides by the direct synthesis at elevated temperature. The
thermal stability of these hydrides decreases in which of the following orders?
(2008)
1) NaH > LiH > KH > RbH > CsH 2) LiH > NaH > KH > RbH > CsH
C08: AICE Module-23 67
 3) CsH > RbH > KH > NaH > LiH 4) KH > NaH > LiH > CsH > RbH
6. Which of the following oxides is not expected to react with sodium hydroxide? (2009)
1) CaO 2) SiO2 3) BeO 4) B2O3
7. Property of the alkaline earth metals that increases with their atomic number (2010)
1) Solubility of their hydroxides in water 2) Solubility of their sulphates in water
3) Ionization energy 4) Electronegativity
8. Which one of the following compounds is a peroxide? (2010)
1) KO2 2) BaO2 3) MnO2 4) NO2
9. Which of the following compounds has the lowest melting point? (2011)
1) CaCl2 2) CaBr2 3) CaI2 4) CaF2
10. Which one of the following is present as an active ingredient in bleachingpowder for bleaching
action? (2011)
1)CaOCl2 2) Ca(OCl)2 3) CaO2Cl 4) CaCl2
11. Which of the following statements is incorrect? (2011)
1) Pure sodium metal dissolves in liquid ammonia to give blue solution.
2) NaOH reacts with glass to give sodium silicate.
3) Aluminium reacts with excess NaOH to give Al(OH)3.
4) NaHCO3 on heating gives Na2CO3.
12. Which one of the alkali metals forms only the normal oxide, M2O on heating in air? (2012)
1) Rb 2) K 3) Li 4) Na
13. The ease of adsorption of the hydrated alkali metal ions on an ion-exchange resins follows the
order: (2012)
1) Li < K < Na < Rb
+ + + + 2) Rb < K < Na < Li
+ + + +

3) K+< Na+< Rb+< Li+ 4) Na+< Li+< K+< Rb+

14. The function of “sodium pump” is a biological process operating in each and every cell of all
animals. Which of the following biologically important ions is also a constituent of this pump?
(2015)
1) K+ 2) Fe2+ 3) Ca2+ 4) Mg2+
15. Solubility of the alkaline earth metal sulphate decreases in the sequence (2015)
1) Sr > Ca > Mg > Ba 2) Ba > Mg > Sr > Ca
3) Mg > Ca > Sr > Ba 4) Ca > Sr > Ba > Mg
16. On heating which of the following releases CO2 easily? (2015)
1) Na2CO3 2) MgCO3 3) CaCO3 4) K2CO3
17. 20.0 g of a magnesium carbonate sample decreases heating to give carbon dioxide and 8.0 g
magnesium. What will be tehpercentage purity of magnesium in the sample? (At. Wt. of Mg = 24)
(2015)
1) 96 2) 60 3) 84 4) 75
18. Which of the following statements is false? (2016)
1) Mg2+ ions form a complex with ATP
2) Ca2+ ions are important in blood clotting
3) Ca2+ ions are not important in maintaining the regular beating of the heart
4) Mg2+ ions are important in tehgreen parts of plants
19. The suspension of slaked lime in water is known as [2016]
1) milk of lime 2) aqueous solution of slaked lime
3) limewater 4) quicklime
20. In context with beryllium, which one of the following statements is incorrect? [2016]
1) Its salts rarely hydrolyze.
2) Its hydride is electron-deficient and polymeric.
3) It is rendered passive by nitric acid.
4) it forms Be2C.
21. Which of the following oxides is most acidic in nature? (2018)
1) MgO 2) BeO 3) CaO 4) BaO

68 EXPERT
22. Magnesium reacts with an element (X) to form an ionic compound. If the ground state electronic
configuration of (X) is 1s2 2s2 2p3, the simplest formula for this compound is (2018)
1) Mg2X3 2) MgX2 3) Mg3X2 4) Mg2X
23. Among CaH2, BeH2, BaH2, the order of ionic character is (2018)
1) BeH2< CaH2< BaH2 2) CaH2< BeH2< BaH2
3) BaH2< BeH2< CaH2 4) BeH2< BaH2< CaH2
24. Enzymes that utilize ATP in phosphate transfer require an alkaline earth metal (M) as the cofactor
M is: (2019)
1) Sr 2) Be 3) Mg 4) Ca
25. Which of the following is an amphoteric hydroxide? (2019)
1) Be(OH)2 2) Sr(OH)2 3) Ca(OH)2 4) Mg(OH)2
26. HCl was passed through a solution of CaCl2, MgCl2 and NaCl. Which of the following compound(s)
crystallise (s)? (2020)
1) Only NaCl 2) Only MgCl2
3) NaCl, MgCl2 and CaCl2 4) Both MgCl2 and CaCl2
27. The following metal ion activates many enzymes, participates in the oxidation of glucose to produce
ATP and with Na, is responsible for the transmission of nerve signals. (2020)
1) Copper 2) Calcium 3) Potassium 4) Iron
28. Among the following alkaline earth metal halides, one which is covalent and soluble in organic
solvents is (2021)
1) Calcium chloride 2) Strontium chloride
3) Magnesium chloride 4) Beryllium chloride
29. The structures of beryllium chloride in solid state and vapour phase are (2021)
1) Chain and dimer, respectively
2) Linear in both
3) Dimer and Linear, respectively
4) Chain in both

Questions from JEE (Main)

1. Lattice energy of an ionic compound depends on (2005)

1)charge on the ion only 2) size of the ion only
3)packing of the ion only 4) charge on the ion and size of the ion
2. Based on lattice energy and other considerations, which one of following alkali metal chloride is
expected to have highest melting point? (2005)
1) LiCl 2) NaCl 3) KCl 4) RbCl
3. The compound A on heating gives a colourless gas and a residue that is dissolved in water to obtain
B. Excess of CO2 is bubbled thorugh aqueous solution of B, C is formed which is recovered in the
solid form. Solid C on gentle heating gives back A. The compound is (2010)
1) CaCO3 2) Na2CO3 3) K2CO3 4) CaSO4.2H2O
4. Match List-I with List-II for the compositions of substances and sleect the correct answer using the
code given below. (2011)

List-I (Substances) List-II (Composition)

(A) Plaster of Paris (i) CaSO4.2H2O
(B) Epsomite (ii) 1
CaSO4. H2O
2
(C) Kieserite (iii) MgSO4.7H2O
(D) Gypsum (iv) MgSO4.H2O
(v) CaSO4

C08: AICE Module-23 69

 1) A – iii, B – iv, C – i, D – ii 2) A – ii, B – iii, C – iv, D – i
3) A – i, B – ii, C – iii, D – v 4) A – iv, B – iii, C – ii, D – i
5. The products obtained on heating LiNO3 will be (2011)
1) LiNO2 + O2 2) Li2O + NO2 + O2
3) Li3N + O2 4) Li2O + NO + O2
6. What is the best description of the change that occurs when Na2O (s) is dissolved in water?
(2011)
1) Oxidation number of sodium decreases 2) Oxide ion accepts a pair of electrons
3) Oxide ion donates a pair of electrons 4) Oxidation number of oxygen increases.
7. Which of the following on thermal decomposition yields a basic as well as acidic oxide?
(2012)
1) NaNO3 2) KClO3 3) CaCO3 4) NH4NO3
8. Which one of the following alkaline earth metal sulphates has its hydration enthalpy
greater than its lattice enthalpy? (2015)
1) CaSO4 2) BeSO4 3) BaSO4 4) (SrSO4
9. Which of the following atoms has the highest first ionization energy? (2016)
1) Rb 2) Na 3) K 4) Sc
10. The main oxides formed on combustion of Li, Na and K in exess of air respectively is
(2016)
1) Li2O, Na2O and KO2 2) LiO2, Na2O2 and K2O
3) Li2O2, Na2O2 and KO2 4) Li2O, Na2O2 and KO2
11. Both lithium and magnesium display several similar properties due to the diagonal relationship;
however, the one which is incorrect is: [2017]
1) Both form basic carbonates
2) Both form soluble bicarbonates
3) Both form nitrides
4) Nitrates of both Li and Mg yield NO2 and O2 on heating
12. The alkaline earth metal nitrate that does not crystallise with water molecule is
(2019)
1) Ba(NO3)2 2) Ca(NO3)2 3) Sr(NO3)2 4) Mg(NO3)2
13. The metal that forms nitride by reacting directly with N2 of air, is (2019)
1) Li 2) Cs 3) K 4) Rb
14. The metal used for making X-ray tube window is (2019)
1) Be 2) Mg 3) Na 4) Ca
15. The electro negativity of aluminum is similar to (2019)
1) boron 2) lithium 3) beryllium 4) carbon
16. Sodium metal on dissolution in liquid ammonia gives a deep blue solution due to the formation of
(2019)
1) sodamide 2) ammoniated electrons
3) sodium ion-ammonia complex 4) sodium-ammonia complex
17. The amphoteric hydroxide is (2019)
1) Sr(OH)2 2) Ca(OH)2 3) Be(OH)2 4) Mg(OH)2
18. Match the following items in column – I with the corresponding items in column – II.
(2019)

Column – I Column – II
(i) Na2CO3.10H2O A. Portland cement ingredient
(ii) Mg(HCO3)2 B. Castner-Kellner process
(iii) NaOH C. Solvay process
(iv) Ca3Al2O6 D. Temporary hadrndess

1) (i) → B, (ii) → C, (iii) → A, (iv) → D 2) (i) → C, (ii) → B, (iii) → D, (iv) → A

3) (i) → C, (ii) → D, (iii) → B, (iv) → A 4) (i) → D, (ii) → A, (iii) → B, (iv) → C
70 EXPERT
19. A metal on combustion in excess air forms X, X upon hydrolysis with water yields H2O2 and O2 along
with another product. The metal is (2019)
1) Li 2) Rb 3) Mg 4) Na
20. The correct statement(s) among I To III with respect to potassium ions that are abundant within the
cell fluids is/are (2019)
I. They activate many enzyme.
II. They participate in the oxidation of glucose to produce ATP.
III. Along with sodium ions, they are responsible for the transmission of nerve signals.
1) III only 2) I and II only 3) I, II and III 4) I and III only
21. The correct order of hydration enthalpies of alkali metal ions is (2019)
1) Li > Na > K > Rb > Cs
+ + + + + 2) Na > Li > K > Rb > Cs
+ + + +

3) Na+> Li+> K+> Cs+> Rb+ 4) Li+> Na+> K+> Cs+> Rb+
22. The covalent alkaline earth metal halide (X = Cl, Br, I) is (2019)
1) CaX2 2) BeX2 3) MgX2 4) SrX2
23. Magnesium powder burns in air to give (2019)
1) Mg (NO3)2 and Mg3N2 2) MgO and Mg(NO3)2
3) MgO and Mg3N2 4) MgO only
24. The structure of beryllium chloride in the solid state and vapour phase, respectively, are
(2019)
1) dimeric and dimeric 2) chain and dimeric
3) dimeric and chain 4) chain and chain.
25. The alloy used in the construction of aircrafts is (2019)
1) Mg – Mn 2) Mg – Al 3) Mg – Zn 4) Mg – Sn
26. A hydrated solid X on heating initially gives a monohydrated compound Y. Y upon heating above 373
K leads to an anhydrous white powder Z. X and Z, respectively, are (2019)
1)baking soda and soda ash 2) baking soda and dead burnt plaster
3)washing soda and soda ash 4) washing soda and dead burnt plaster
27. The correct sequence of thermal stability of the following carbonates is (2019)
1) BaCO3< SrCO3< CaCO3< MgCO3 2) BaCO3< CaCO3< SrCO3< MgCO3
3) MgCO3< CaCO3< SrCO3< BaCO3 4) MgCO3< SrCO3< CaCO3< BaCO3
28. The incorrect statement is (2019)
1) LiCl crystallizes from aqueous solution as LiCl.2H2O
2)lithium is the strongest reducing agent among the alkali metals
(3)lithium is least reactive with water among the alkali metals
4) LiNO3 Decomposes on heating to give LiNO2 and O2
29. The first and second ionisation enthalpies of a metal are 496 and 4560 kJ mol-1, respectively. How
many moles of HCl and H2SO4, respectively, will be needed to react completely with 1 mole of the
metal hydroxide? (2020)
1) 1 and 0.5 2) 2 and 0.5 3) 1 and 2 4) 1 and 1
30. Among the statements (a) – (d), the correct ones are (2020)
(a) Lithium has the highest hydration enthalpy among the alkali metals.
(b) Lithium chloride is insoluble in pyridine
(c) Lithium cannot form ethynide upon its reaction with ethyne
(d) Both lithium and magnesium react slowly with H2O
1) (a), (b) and (d) only 2) (b) and (c) only
3) (a) and (d) only 4) (a), (c) and (d) only
31. A metal (A) on heating in nitrogen gas gives compound B. B on treatment with H2O gives a colorless
gas which when passed through CuSO4 solution gives a dark blue-violet coloured solution. A and B
respectively, are (2020)
1) Mg and Mg3N2 2) Na and NaNO3 3) Mg and Mg(NO3)2 4) Na and Na3N
32. Number of amphoteric compound among the following is _____ (2021)
1) BeO 2) BaO 3) Be(OH)2 4) Sr(OH)2

C08: AICE Module-23 71

33. Match List – I with List – II (2021)

List – I List – II
(Salt) (Flame colour wavelength)
(a) LiCl (i) 455.5 nm
(b) NaCl (ii) 670.8 nm
(c) RbCl (iii) 780.0 nm
(d) CsCl (iv) 589.2 nm

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1) (a) – (iv), (b) – (ii), (c) – (iii), (d) – (i) 2) (a) – (ii), (b) – (i), (c) – (iv), (d) – (iii)
3) (a) – (i), (b) – (iv), (c) – (ii), (d) – (iii) 4) (a) – (ii), (b) – (iv), (c) – (iii), (d) – (i)
34. The correct set from the following in which both pair are in correct order of melting point i:-
(2021)
1) LiF >LiCl ; MgO > NaCl 2) LiCl > LiF; NaCl > MgO
3) LiF >LiCl ; NaCl > MgO 4) LiCl > LiF; MgO > NaCl
35. Find A, B and C in the following reactions: (2021)
NH3 + A + CO2→ (NH4)2 CO3
(NH4)2CO3 + H2O + B → NH4HCO3
NH4HCO3 + NaCl + NH4Cl + C
1) A – O2 ; B – CO2 ; C – Na2 2) A – H2O ; B – O2 ; C – Na2CO3
3) A – H2O ; B – O2 ; C – NaHCO3 4) A – H2O ; B – CO2 ; C – NaHCO3
36. The correct order of conductivity of ions in water is: (2021)
1) Na+> K+> Rb+> Cs+ 2) Cs+> Rb+> K+> Na+
3) K+> Na+> Cs+> Rb+ 4) Rb+> Na+> K+> Li+
37. Match list-I with list-II. (2021)

List – I List-II
a) Be (i) Treatment of cancer
b) Mg (ii) Extraction of metals
c) Ca (iii) Incendiary bombs and signals
d) Ra (iv) Windows of X-ray tubes
(v) Bearings for motor engines.

Choose the most appropriate answer the option given below:

1) a → iv, b → iii, c → i, d → ii 2) a → iv, b → iii, c → ii, d → i
3) a → iii, b → iv, c → v, d → ii 4) a → iii, b → iv, c → ii, d → v
38. Given below are two statements: One is labelled as Assertion A and the other labelled as reason R
Assertion A: During the boiling of water having temporary hardness, Mg(HCO3)2 is converted to
MgCO3.
Reason R: The solubility product of Mg(OH)2 is greater than that of MgCO3.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given
below: (2021)
1) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
2) A is true but R is false
3) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
4) A is false but R is true
39. The set of elements that differ in mutual relationship from those of the other sets si:
(2021)
1) Li – Mg 2) B – Si 3) Be – Al 4) Li - Na

72 EXPERT
40. One of the by-products formed during the recovery of NH3 from Solvay process is:
(2021)
1) Ca(OH)2 2) NaHCO3 3) CaCl2 4) NH4Cl
41. Given below are two statements:
Statement I: Both CaCl2.6H2O and MgCl2.8H2O undergo dehydration on heating.
Statement II: BeO is amphoteric whereas the oxides of other elements in the same group are acidic.
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:
(2021)
1) Statement I is false but statement II is true
2) Both statement I and statement II are false
3) Both statement I and statement II are true
4) Statement I is true but statement II is false
42. Statement I: Sodium hydride can be used as an oxidising agent.
Statement II: The lone pair of electrons on nitrogen in pyridine makes it basic.
Choose the CORRECT answer from the options given below: (2021)
1) Both statement I and statement II are false
2) Statement I is true but statement II is false
3) Statement I is false but statement II is true
4) Both statement I and statement II are true

 SHARP PRACTICE QUESTIONS 

LEVEL-I

General characteristics of alkali metals and their compounds

1. Alkali metals are not found in free state due to their highly reactive nature. This is due to
1) their large size and low ionisation enthalpy
2) their large size and high ionisation enthalpy
3) their low ionisation enthalpy and high electron gain enthalpy
4) their tendency to impart colour to the flame
2. Alkali metals are characterised by
1) good conductors of heat and electricity
2) high melting points
3) low oxidation potentials
4) high ionisation potentials
3. Arrange the following elements in the order of the increasing electropositive character.
Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs
1) Li > Na > K > Rb > Cs 2) Li < Na < K < Rb < Cs
3) Li > Na < K < Rb < Cs 4) Na > Li > K < Rb < Cs
4. Lithium is the strongest reducing agent though it has highest ionisation energy in its group.
Which of the following factors is responsible for making Li the strongest reducing agent?
1) Large heat of atomisation 2) Smaller size
3) Large sublimation energy 4) Large amount of hydration enthalpy
5. Complex forming tendency is more for
1) Na+ 2) K+ 3) Li+ 4) Rb+

C08: AICE Module-23 73

6. The increasing stability of alkali metal peroxides and superoxides is due to
1) the size of the metal ion increases down the group
2) the large anions are stabilized by large cations
3) both (1) and (2) 4) none of these
7. For Na + PH3→ (A) + gas(X),
Na + NH3→ (B) + gas (X), which of the following is correct?
1) The anion of (A) is trinegative while the anion of (B) on reaction with acetylene gives
ammonia
2) The anion of both (A) and (B) are uninegative
3) The anion of both (A) and (B) are trinegative
4) None of the above
8. The normal oxide contains ______ ions, peroxide contains ____ ion and superoxide contains _____
ion.
1) O2-, O 22− , O2− 2) O2− ,O2− ,O22− 3) O − , O 2 − , O 3− 4) O-, O2-, O 22−
9. Which of the following imparts violet colouration to the non-luminous flame of Bunsen burner?
1) NaCl 2) BaCl2 3) CaCl2 4) KCl
10. Which one of the following properties of alkali metals increases in magnitude as the atomic
number rises?
1) Ionic radius 2) Melting point
3) Electronegativity 4) First ionization energy
11. When sodium reacts with excess of oxygen, the oxidation number of oxygen changes from
1) 0 to -1 2) 0 to -2 3) -1 to -2 4) No change
12. Which of the following increasing orders is not correct as per the property indicated against it?
1) CsCl < RbCl < KCl < NaCl < LiCl (Lattice energy)
2) LiOH < NaOH < KOH (Solubility in water)
3) Li+< Na+< K+< Rb+< Cs+ (Size of hydrated ion)
4) NaI < NaBr < NaCl < NaF (Lattice energy)

Important compounds and biological importance of sodium and potassium

13. Which of the following reactions is not a part of Solvary’s process for preparation of sodium
carbonate?
1) 2NH3 + H2O + CO2→ (NH4)2CO3
2) (NH4)2CO3 + H2O + CO2→2NH4HCO3
3) 2NH4HCO3 → (NH4)2CO3 + H2O + CO2
4) NH4HCO3 + NaCl → NH4Cl + NaHCO3
14. Correct chemical formula of hypo is
1) Na2S2O3 2) Na2S2O3.H2O 3) Na2S2O3. 4H2O 4) Na2S2O3.5H2O
15. The pair of compounds which cannot exist together in solution is
1) NaHCO3 and NaOH 2) Na2CO3 and NaHCO3
3) Na2CO3 and NaOH 4) NaHCO3 and NaCl
16. Which of the following statements is not correct regarding preparation of NaOH?
1) NaOH is prepared by electrolysis of sodium chloride in Castner-Kellner cell.
2) Sodium metal discharged at cathode combines with mercury to form sodium amalgam
3) Chlorine is evolved at anode
4) Amalgam is heated to separate Na and Hg
74 EXPERT
17. Oxone is
1) CaO 2) N2O 3) Na2O2 4) NaBO3
18. Sodium metal reacts with Al2O3 at high temperature to give a sodium compound X. X reacts
with carbon dioxide in water to form Y. Y is
1) Na2O2 2) Na2O 3) Na2CO3 4) NaAlO2
19. A metal X reacts with water to produce a highly combustible gas Y, and a solution Z. Another
metal P reacts with Z to give the same gas Y.
X, Y, Z and P respectively are
1) Zn, H2, Zn(OH)2, Al 2) Na, H2, NaOH, Zn
3) K, H2, KOH, Al 4) Li, H2, LiOH, K
20. A sodium salt on treatment with MgCl2 gives white precipitate only on heating. The anion of the
sodium salt is
1) HCO3− 2) CO32− 3) NO3− 4) SO24−
21. What is the biological importance of Na+ and K+ ions in cell fluids like blood plasma?
1) They participate in transmission of nerve signals
2) They regulate the number of red and white blood corpuscles in the cell
3) They can be present in any amount in the blood since they are absorbed by the cells
4) They regulate the viscosity and colour of the blood.

General characteristics of alkaline earth metals and their compounds

22. Compared with the alkaline earth metals, the alkali metals exhibit
1) smaller ionic radii 2) highest boiling points
3) greater hardness 4) lower ionization energies
23. Be2C + 4H2O → 2X + CH4
X + 2HCl + 2H2O → Y
X and Y formed in the above two reactions is
1) BeCO3 and Be(OH)2 respectively 2) Be(OH)2 and BeCl2 respectively
3) Be(OH)2 and [Be(OH)4Cl2 respectively 4) [Be(OH)4]2- and BeCl2 respectively
24. BeO is insoluble but BaO is soluble as
1) lattice energy of BeO is higher than BaO due to small size of Be2+ ion and its covalent nature.
2) hydration energy of BeO is lower than BaO due to small size Be2+ ion
3) BeO is amphoteric in nature while BaO is basic
4) BeO forms hydrated salts while BaO forms anhydrous salts
25. What happens when magnesium is burnt in air and the products X and Y are treated with
water?
Air
Mg X + Y

H2O H2 O

P P + Q

X Y P Q
1) MgO Mg(OH)2 Mg(OH)2 N2
2) MgO Mg3N2 Mg(OH)2 NH3
3) MgO Mg3N2 Mg(OH)2 N2
4) MgO MgCO3 Mg(OH)2 CO2

C08: AICE Module-23 75

26. The standard reduction potentials at 25°C of Li+/Li, Ba2+/Ba, Na+/Na and Mg2+/Mg are - 3.05, -
2.73, -2.71 and -2.37 volt respectively. Which one of the following is the strongest oxidising
agent?
1) Na+ 2) Li+ 3) Ba2+ 4) Mg2+
27. The following two figures represent
Cl
Cl Cl Cl
Cl Be Be Cl Be Be Be
i) Cl ii) Cl Cl Cl
1) i) BeCl2 is a dimer in vapour phase ; (ii) BeCl2 is chain structure in solid state
2) i) BeCl2 is in solid state; (ii) BeCl2 is in vapour phase
3) i) BeCl2 is monomer in solid state; (ii) BeCl2 is linear polymer in vapour phase
4) i) BeCl2 is linear monomer; (ii) BeCl2 is three dimensional dimer
28. The charge/size ratio of a cation determines its polarizing power. Which one of the following
sequence represents the increasing order of the polarizing power of the cationic species, K+,
Ca2+, Mg2+, Be2+?
1) Mg2+, Be2+, K+, Ca2+ 2) Be2+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+
3) K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Be2+ 4) Ca2+, Mg2+, Be2+, K+
29. The solubilities of carbonates decrease down the magnesium group due to a decrease in
1) lattice energies of solids 2) hydration energies of cations
3) inter-ionic attraction 4) entropy of solution formation
30. Beryllium shows diagonal relationship with aluminium. Which of the following similarity is
incorrect?
1) Be2C like Al4C3 yields methane on hydrolysis
2) Be like Al is rendered passive by HNO3
3) Be(OH)2 like Al(OH)3 is basic
4) Be forms beryllates and Al forms aluminates
31. The pair whose both species are used in antacid medicinal preparation is
1) NaHCO3 and Mg(OH)2 2) Na2CO3 and Ca(HCO3)2
3) Ca(HCO3)2 and Mg(OH)2 4) Ca(OH)2 and NaHCO3
32. Sulphate of Be and Mg are readily soluble in water but sulphaeres of Ca, Sr and Ba are
insoluble. This is due to the fact
1) the greater hydration enthalpies of Be2+and Mg2+ overcome the lattice enthalpy
2) high lattice enthalpy of Be2+ and Mg2+ makes them soluble in water
3) solubility decreases from BeSO4 to BaSO4 due to increase in ionic size
4) BeSO4 and MgSO4 are ionic in nature while other sulphates are covalent
33. The hydroxide, which is best soluble in H2O, is
1) Sr(OH)2 2) Ba(OH)2 3) Ca(OH)2 4) Mg(OH)2

Some important compounds and biological importance alkaline earth metals

34. Identify W, X, Y, and Z respectively in the given reactions.
∆
CaCO3  →W + X
W + H 2O → Y
Y + Z → NaOH + CaCO3
1) CaO, CO2, CaCO3, Na2CO3 2) CO2, Ca(OH)2, Ca(HCO)3, NaHCO3
3) CaO, CO2, Ca(OH)2, Na2CO3 4) CO2, CaO, H2CO3, Na2CO3
76 EXPERT
35.
A + NaCO3 B + C

CO2
Milky cloud, C

The chemical formulate of A, B and C are

A B C
1) Ca(OH)2 NaOH CaCO3
2) NaOH Ca(OH)2 CaCO3
3) NaOH CaO CaCO3
4) CaO Ca(OH)2 NaOH

36. Slaked lime reacts with chlorine to give

1) CaCl2 2) CaO 3) Ca(OCl)2 4) CaCO3
37. A solution of MgCl2 in water has pH?
1) < 7 2) > 7 3) 7 4) 14.2
38. Match the column I with column II and mark the appropriated choice.

Column I Column II
1) Quick lime i) Setting fractured bones
2) Plaster of Paris ii) A constituent of chewing gum
3) Slaked lime iii) Manufacture of bleaching powder
4) Limestone iv) Manufacture of dyestuffs

A B C D
1) i iv ii iii
2) iv i iii iii
3) ii iii i iv
4) iii ii iv i

39. Identify the correct statemen.

1) The percentage of calcium is lower in gypsum in comparison to plaster of Paris
2) Gypsum is not a natural product. It is obtained by heating of plaster of Paris
3) Plaster of Paris is obtained by hydration of gypsum
4) Plaster of Paris is formed by oxidation of gypsum
40. The average composition of Portland cement is
1) CaO : 40-50%, SiO2 : 30-40%, Al2O3 : 1 – 2%, Fe2O3: 10 – 20%
2) CaO : 50 – 60%, SiO2 : 20-25%, Al2O3 : 5 – 10%, MgO: 2 – 3%, Fe2O3 : 1-2% and SO3: 1 – 2%
3) SiO2 : 40-50%, CaO : 30-40%, Al2O3: 10 – 20%
4) CaO : 50%, SiO2: 50%

C08: AICE Module-23 77

LEVEL-II

General characteristics of alkali metals and their compounds

1. Metals dissolve in liquid ammonia giving coloured solutions which are conducting in nature.
The colour of the solution and reason of its conductance is
1) yellow, NH+4 2) blue, ammoniated metals
3) orange, [M(NH3)X]+ 4) blue, ammoniated electron
2. The solubility of alkali metal salts in water is due to the fact that the cations get hydrated by
water molecules. The degree of hydration depends upon the size of the cation. If the trend of
relative ionic radii is Cs+> Rb+> K+> Na+> Li+. What is the relative degree of hydration?
1) Cs+(aq)> Rb+(aq)> K+(aq)> Na+(aq)> Li+(aq)
2) Li+(aq)> Na+(aq)> K+(aq)> Rb+(aq)> Cs+(aq)
3) Na+(aq)>K+(aq)> Rb+(aq)>Cs+(aq)> Li+(aq)
4) Cs+(aq)>Na+(aq)> Li+(aq)> K+(aq)> Rb+(aq)
3. A solution of sodium metal in liquid ammonia is strongly reducing due to the presence of
1) sodium atoms 2) sodium hydride 3) sodium amide 4) solvated electrons
4. The mobilities of the alkali metal ions in aqueous solution are
Li+< Na+< K+< Rb+< Cs+ because
1) greater is the degree of hydration, lesser is the mobility in aqueous medium
2) larger the size of cation, greater is the mobility in aqueous medium
3) larger the size of cation, lesser is the mobility of ions in aqueous medium
4) lesser the degree of hydration, lesser is the mobility of ions in aqueous medium.
5. Sodium is made by the electrolysis of a molten mixture of about 40% NaCl and 60% CaCl2
because
1) CaCl2 helps in conduction of electricity
2) this mixture has a lower melting point than NaCl
3) Ca2+ can displace Na from NaCl
4) Ca2+ can reduce NaCl to Na
6. On heating a mixture containing 1 mole each of Li2CO3 and K2CO3...... is/are formed.
1) 2 moles of CO2 2) 1 moleof CO2
3) 1.5 moles of CO2 4) no carbon dioxide
7. Which nitrate will decompose to give NO2 on heating?
1) NaNO3 2) KNO3 3) RbNO3 4) LiNO3
8. Complete the following equations:
i) Na2O2 + 2H2O →_(W) + H2O2
ii) 2KO2 + 2H2O → __(X) + (Y) + O2
iii) Na2O + CO2→(Z)
W X Y Z
1) 4Na K2O H2O Na2O2
2) 4Na K2O H2O 2 Na2CO3
3) 4NaOH 2KOH H2 O Na2O2
4) 2NaOH 2KOH H2 O 2 Na2CO3

78 EXPERT
9. Superoxides of alkali metals act as oxidising agents while normal oxides are basic in nature. The
oxide which is paramagnetic in nature due to presence of unpaired electron is
1) Na2O2 2) KO2 3) Na2O 4) CsF
10. The reducing power of a metal depends on various factors. Suggest the factor which makes Li,
the strongest reducing agent in aqueous solution.
1) Sublimation enthalpy 2) Ionization enthalpy
3) Hydration enthalpy 4) Electron-gain enthalpy
11. A solution of a compound X in dilure HCl on treatment with a solution of BaCl2 gives a white
precipitate of a compound Y which is insoluble in conc. HNO3 and conc. HCl. Compound X
imparts golden yellow colour to the flame.
X(Solution + BaCl2 →  → Inso lub le
Conc.HNO
Y ConcHCl
3

in dilute HCl) Whiteppt

(impartsgolden
yellow colur)

What are compounds X and Y?

1) X is MgCl2 and Y is BaSO4 2) X is CaCl2 and Y is BaSO4
3) X is Na2SO4 and Y is BaSO4 4) X is MgSO4and Y is BaSO4

Some important compounds and biological importance of Sodium and Potassium

12. The aqeous solution of an unknown sodium salt gives the following reactions
i) it gives white turbidity with dilute HCl solution
ii) it decolourises a solution of iodine in potassium iodide
iii) it gives a white precipitate with AgNO3 solution which changes colours and finally becomes
black on standing.
The unknown sodium salt is
1) sodium sulphite 2) sodium sulphide
3) sodium bisulphite 4) sodium thiosulphate
13. KO2 (potassium super oxide) is used in oxygen cylinders in space and submarines because it
1) absorbs CO2 and increases O2 content 2) eliminates moisture
3) absorbs CO2 4) produces ozone
14. A white solid X on heating gives a white solid Y and an acidic gas Z. Gas Z is also given out when
X reacts with an acid. The compound Y is also formed if caustic soda is left open in the
atmosphere. X, Y and Z are

X Y Z
1) NaHCO3 Na2CO3 CO2
2) Na2CO3 NaOH CO2
3) Na2CO3 NaHCO3 CO2
4) NaOH NaHCO3 CO2

15. When NaBH4 is dissolved in water,

1) Na+ and BH4− ions are formed which are stable
2) it decomposes with the evolution of H2
3) BH4− is formed initially decomposed to give OH- ions, which prevent further decomposition
4) NaH and B2H6 are produced

C08: AICE Module-23 79

16. Borax is used as a cleanisng agent because on dissolving in water it gives
1) alkaline solution 2) acidic solution 3) bleaching solution 4) basic solution
17. In the given chemical recations,
H O + CO
2P + H2O + CO2 → Q 
2 2
→ 2R 
NaCl
→ S + NH4Cl
Identify S.
1) Na2CO3 2) NaOH 3) NaHCO3 4) NH3
18. A certain compound X imparts a golden yellow flame. When zinc powder is heated with
concentrated solution of X, H2 gas is evolved. X combines with CO2 to give a salt Y. Y is a
hydrated salt which on reaction with HCl or excess of CO2 gives another salt Z which is an
important part of baking powder. Identify X, Y and Z.

X Y Z
1) NaOH Na2CO3 NaHCO3
2) HCl NaOH NaHCO3
3) KOH K2CO3 KHCO3
4) NaCl Na2CO3 NaOH

General Characterisitcs of Alkaline Earth metals and their compounds

19. Lattice energies of BeF2, MgF2, CaF2 and BaF2 are -2906, -2610, -2459 and -2367 kJ mol-1
respectively. Hydration energies of Be2+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Ba2+ and F- are -2494, -1921, -1577, -1305
and -457 kJ mol-1 respectively. Which of the fluorides is soluble in water?
1) BeF2 2) MgF2 3) CaF2 4) BaF2
20. Which of the following statements about alkaline earth metals are correct?
1. Hydration energy of Sr2+ is greater than that of Be2+.
2. CaCO3 decomposes at a higher temperature than BaCO3.
3. Ba(OH)2 is a stronger base than Mg(OH)2
4. SrSO4 is less soluble in water than CaSO4
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
1) 4 only 2) 1 and 3 3) 1 and 4 4) 3 and 4
21. Which among the following is kinetically inert towards water?
1) Na 2) Be 3) Ca 4) K
22. The following compounds have been arranged in order of their increasing thermal stabilities.
Identify the correct order.
K2CO3(I), MgCO3 (II), CaCO3 (III), BeCO3 (IV)
1) I < II < III < IV 2) IV < II < III < I 3) IV < II < I < III 4) II < IV < III < I
23. When alkaiine earth metals dissolve in ammonia, they form coloured solution like alkali metals.
Which of the following observations regarding the reaction are correct?
(i) Dilute solutions are bright blue in colour due to solvated electrons.
(ii) These solutions decompose to form amides and hydrogen.
(iii) From this solution the ammoniates [M(NH3 )6 ]2 + can e recovered by evaporation.
1) Only (i) and (ii) 2) Only (i), (ii) and (iii)
3) Only (ii) and (iii) 4) Only (i)
24. The solubility in water of sulphate down the Be group is Be > Mg > Ca > Sr > Ba. This is due to
1) decreasing lattice energy 2) high heat of solvation for smaller ions like Be2+
3) increase in melting points 4) increasing molecular weight

80 EXPERT
25. Two metals X and Y belong to the second group of periodic table. X forms insoluble oxide but
soluble sulphate. Y foms a soluble oxide but insoluble sulphate. Hydroxide of metal X is soluble
in NaOH while that of metal Y is insoluble in NaOH. What are metals X and Y?
1) X = Be, Y = Ba 2) X = Mg, Y = Ca 3) X = Ca, Y = Sr 4) X = Ba, Y = Mg
26. A metal M readily forms its sulphate MSO4 which is water-soluble. It forms its oxide MO which
becomes inert on heating. It forms an insoluble hydroxide M(OH)2 which is soluble in NaOH
solution. Then M is
1) Mg 2) Ba 3) Ca 4) Be
27. heat 1
Metal nitrate
(P)
Solid + NO 2 + 2
O2
(Q)

HCl

Solution

(NH4)2 CO 3
dil. HCl
Solution White precipitate
(R)
K2CrO4

Yellow precipitate
(S)

What are (P), (Q), (R) and (S)?

P Q R S
1) Be(NO3)2 BeO BeCO3 BeCrO4
2) NaNO3 Na2O Na2CO3 Na2CrO4
3) Ba(NO3)2 BaO BaCO3 BaCrO4
4) KNO3 K2O K2CO3 K2CrO4

Some important compounds of Alkaline earth metals and biological importance of Calcium
and Magnesium
28. heat
X Residue + Colourless gas
Identify X, Y and Z.
heating water

X Y Z excess of
Z Y
1) Ca(HCO3)2 CaCO3 Ca(OH)2 CO2
2) CaCO3 Ca(OH)2 Ca(HCO3)2
3) CaCO3 CaO Ca(OH)2
4) CaCO3 CaO Ca(HCO3)2

C08: AICE Module-23 81

29. Study the road map for preparation of washing soda and fill up the blanks.
∆ +H2O +NH4Cl + H 2O
P Q R S
+
CO2
(a gas soluble
in water)

heat +NaCl + CO2

Na2CO3 + CO2 + H2O V U T

P Q R S T U V
1) CaCO3 CaO Ca(OH)2 NH3 NH4OH NH4HCO3 NaHCO3
2) CaCl2 CaO Ca(OH)2 HCl HCl NaHCO3 HCl
3) CaCl2 CaO CaCO3 NH3 HCl NH4Cl NaHCO3
4) CaCO3 CaO Ca(OH)2 HCl Cl2 CaCl2 NaHCO3

30. Which of the following compounds of cements sets at the slowest rate?
1) Dicalcium silicate 2) Tricalcium silicate
3) Tricalcium aluminate 4) Tetracalcium aluminoferrite
31. Which of the following is the component of most of the kidney stones?
1) (COO)2Ca 2) (COO)2Ba 3) (COONa)2 4) (COO)2Mg

LEVEL-III

Linked Comprehension Type:

Paragraph 1:
Solubility of an ionic compound in water is mainly dependent on:
a. Lattice enthalpy b. Hydration enthalpy
Both these factors oppose each other and the resultant of these determines the solubility of an
ionic compound in water. If lattice enthalpy has greater value, the compound is less soluble. In
case hydration enthalpy has greater value, the compound is highly soluble in water.
1. Compounds of alkaline earth metals are less soluble than alkali metals, due to:
1) Their high hydration enthalpy 2) Their high lattice enthalpy
3) Their increased covalent character 4) Their high ionisation enthalpy.
2. Which of the following is more soluble in water?
1) MgSO4 2) CaSO4 3) SrSO4 4) BaSO4
3. BeF3 is soluble in water while fluorides of other alkaline earth metals are insoluble because of:
1) Covalent nature of BeF3 2) Ionic nature of BeF2
3) Greater hydration enthalpy of Be2+ ion 4) Greater lattice enthalpy of Be2+ ion.
4. Which of the following is less soluble in water?
1) Mg (OH)2 2) Ca (OH)2 3) Sr(OH)2 4) Ba (OH)2
5. Compound is soluble in water if
1) Hydration enthalpy is greater than lattice enthalpy
2) Hydration enthalpy is less than lattice enthalpy
3) Hydration enthalpy and lattice enthalpy are same
4) None of the above
82 EXPERT
Paragraph II:
Alkali and alkaline metals have low ionisation enthalpies and hence exhibit characteristic flame
colouration. They have high negative electrode potentials and hence are strong reducing
agents. This dissolve in liquid ammonia to give a solution which conducts electricity and act as
strong reducing agent. Being stronger reducing agent than hydrogen, they are usually
prepared by the electrolysis of their fused chlorides. Their oxides are basic and the basic
strength increases down the group. The solubility of carbonates and sulphates of alkali and
alkaline earth metals show opposite trends. Only the carbonates of Li and alkaline earth metals
decompose on heating. The bicarbonates of both alkali and alkaline earth metals on heating
give carbonates.
6. Which of the following process is used in the extractive metallurgy of sodium?
1) Electrolysis of aqueous solution 2) Thermite reduction
3) Electrolysis of fused salt 4) Self-reduction
7. The correct decreasing order of basic character of the oxides is
1) K2O > MgO >SrO> Cs2O 2) Cs2O > K2O > SrO > MgO
3) MgO >SrO> K2O > Cs2O 4) Cs2O > K2O > MgO > SrO
8. Property of alkaline earth metals that increases with their atomic number is
1) Ionisation enthalpy 2) Solubility of their hydroxides
3) Solubility of their sulphates 4) Electronegativity
9. Identify the correct order thermal stabilities.
1) K2CO3< MgCO3< CaCO3< BeCO3 2) BeCO3< CaCO3< MgCO3< K2CO3
3) BeCO3< MgCO3< CaCO3< K2CO3 4) CaCO3< BeCO3< MgCO3< K2CO3
10. The compound insoluble in acetic acid is
1) Calcium oxide 2) Calcium carbonate
3) Calcium oxalate 4) Calcium hydroxide

Paragraph III
A Compound (A) on heating in Bunsen flame imparts brick red combination (A) on heating
gives CO2 gas and a residue (B). The residence (B) when treated with water gives (C). On
passing is excess of CO2 through (C) in water, a clear solution (D) is combined. On boiling (D),
compound (A) is reformed.
11. Compound (A) is
1) CaCO3 2) MgCO3 3) SrCO3 4) BaCO3
12. Residue (B) is
1) CaO 2) CaO2 3) SrO 4) BaO
13. Compound (C) is
1) Ca(OH)2 2) Sr(OH)2 3) Ba(OH)2 4) [Sr(H2O)6]2+
14. Compound (D) is
1) Ca(HCO3)2 2) Sr(HCO3)2 3) Ba(HCO3)2 4) Ca(OH)2

Paragraph IV
Alkaline earth metal nitrate (A) on heating decomposes, leaving a solid residue (B) which goes
into solution with dilute HCL. The solution of (B) gives a white precipitate (C) with ammonium
carbonate solution. The precipitate (C) is dissolved in dilute HCl and the solution is treated
with potassium chromate to get yellow precipitate (D). The solution (B) with dilute H2SO4 also
gives a white precipitate (E) insoluble in diute HCl and nitric acid. The precipitate (E) is a part
of a white pigment lithopone.
C08: AICE Module-23 83
15. The compound (E) is
1) BaSO4 2) MgSO4 3) CaSO4 4) Na2SO4
16. The yellow precipitate (D) is
1) PbCrO4 2) BaCrO4 3) CaCrO4 4) None of these
17. The metal nitrate (A) is
1) Ca(NO3)2 2) Pb(NO3)2 3) Ba(NO3)2 4) KNO3
18. The solid residue (B) is
1) CaO 2) PbO 3) ZnO 4) BaO
19. The nitrate (A) can be confirmed by flame test. The colour imparted by the salt to the Bunsen
flame is
1) Yellow 2) Green 3) Blue 4) Red

Paragraph V
Both alkali metals and alkaline earth metals are s-block elements. They resemble each other in
many respects but still there are certain dissimilarities in their properties due to different
number of electrons in the valence shell, different atomic radii, ionisation enthalpy,
electronegativity, etc.
Like lithium, Be also differs from rest of the alkaline earth metals on account of its small atomic
size and high electronetativity. Be2+ ion is very small and exerts a high polarising effect on any
anion associated with it.
20. The correct sequence of increasing covalent character is
1) BeCl2< NaCl < LiCl 2) NaCl < LiCl < BeCl2
3) BeCl2< LiCl < NaCl 4) LiCl < NaCl < BeCl2
21. Which is least thermally stable?
1) Li2CO3 2) MgCO3 3) BaCO3 4) BeCO3
22. Which of the following statements are true for group 2 elements?
1) Lattice enthalpy of oxides, carbonates, fluorides decreases from Be to Ba.
2) All form nitrides in air:
3) The solubility of the hydroxides increase from Be to Ba.
4) All are correct.
23. The alkaline earth metal which does not directly combine with hydrogen is
1) Be 2) Ca 3) Sr 4) Ba
24. The solubility in water of sulphates down the group (↓) is Be > Mg > Ca > Sr > Ba. This is due to
1) Increase in melting point 2) Increase in molecular mass
3) Decrease in lattice enthalpy 4) High heat of solvation for smaller ions
25. Which of the bicarbonate does not exist in solid state?
1) NaHCO3 2) KHCO3 3) Ca(HCO3)2 4) RbHCO3
26. The statement which does not directly combine with carbon on strong heating:
1) Li 2) Be 3) K 4) Ca

84 EXPERT
Match the column:
27.
Column I Column II
Compound Use
a. Magnesium sulphate i. Fertiliser
b. Magnesium oxide ii. For drying alcohols and non-acidic gases
c. Barium sulphate iii. Purgative
d. Quicklime iv. Used in the manufacture of bleaching powder
e. Slaked lime v. Constituent of Sorel cement
f. Calcium sulphate hemihydrates iv. In dentistry

28.
Column I Column II
a. Beryllium i. Reacts with water to produce H2
b. Radium ii. Refractory metal
c. Magnesium iii. Used in obtaining the X-ray of the stomach
d. BaSO4 iv. Used as a drying agent
e. Mg(ClO4)2 v. Do not impart any colour to the Bunsen flame
f. CaH2 iv. Radioactive element.

Multiple Correct answers:

29. Sodium sulphate is soluble in water but barium sulphate is sparingly soluble because
1) The hydration enthalpy of Na2SO4 is more than its lattice enthalpy.
2) The lattice enthalpy of BaSO4 is more than its hydration enthalpy.
3) The lattice enthalpy has no role to play in solubility.
4) The lattice enthalpy of Na2SO4 is more than its hydration enthalpy.
30. Which of the following statements are false?
1) BeCl2 exists as dimer in the vapour state and polymeric in the solid state.
2) Calcium hydride is called hydrolith.
3) The oxides of Be and Ca are amphoteric.
4) Bicarbonates of Na and Sr are insoluble in water.
31. Which of the following elements from peroxides when heated in excess of air?
1) K 2) Na 3) Ba 4) Ca
32. Magnesium burns in the atmosphere of the following gases?
1) CO2 2) N2O 3) N2 4) SO2
33. Which of the following properties show a reverse trend in moving down the group of alkali and
alkaline earth metals?
1) Solubility of hydroxides 2) Solubility of carbonates
3) Solubility of sulphates 4) Solubility of oxides

C08: AICE Module-23 85

34. Which of the following statement(s) is/are not true about the diagonal relationship of Be and
Al?
1) Their oxides are basic
2) They become passive by conc HNO3
3) Both react with NaOH to liberate hydrogen
4) Their carbides give acetylene on hydrolysis
35. Which of the following pairs can be distinguished by the action of heat?
1) Na2CO3 and CaCO3 2) K2CO3 and MgCO3
3) Ca(NO3)2 and NaNO3 4) MgCl2.6H2O and CaCl2.6H2O
36. Select the correct statements about barium:
1) It shows photoelectric effect
2) It is silvery white metal.
3) It forms Ba (NO3)2 which is used in preparation of green fire.
4) Its ionisation enthalpy is less than radium.
37. The correct statement (s) is/are
1) BeCl2 is a covalent compound 2) BeCl2 can form dimer
3) BeCl2 is an electron-deficient molecule 4) The hybrid state of Be in BeCl2 is sp2
38. Mg2+ can be detected and estimated in hard water by titrating with EDTA at pH = 10 using
NH4OH + NH4Cl buffer. The end point is given by the apearance of blue colour. The indicator
used is
1) Solochrome black 2) Eriochrome black T
3) Eosin 4) Bromophenol

Assertion and Reason:

39. Assertion (A): Magnesium does not impart any characteristic colour to the flame.
Reason (R):Due to small size and high effective nuclear charge, magnesium requires in large
amount of energy for excitation of electrons.
1) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
2) If both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
3) If (A) is correct, but (R) is incorrect.
4) If (A) is incorrect, but (R) is correct.
40. Assertion (A): Alkaline earth metals are harder than alkali metals.
Reason (R): Atomic radii of alkaline earth metas are smaller than the corresponding
alkalimetals in the same period.
1) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
2) If both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
3) If (A) is correct, but (R) is incorrect.
4) If (A) is incorrect, but (R) is correct.
41. Assertion (A): BeSO4 is soluble in water but BaSO4 is insoluble.
Reason (R): Lattice enthalpy of BaSO4 exceeds its hydration enthalpy.
1) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
2) If both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
3) If (A) is correct, but (R) is incorrect.
4) If (A) is incorrect, but (R) is correct.

86 EXPERT
42. Assertion (A): Be forms [BeF4]2-, but A1 forms [AlF6]3-.
Reason (R): Be does not have d-orbitals in the valence shell but A1 has.
1) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
2) If both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
3) If (A) is correct, but (R) is incorrect. 4) If (A) is incorrect, but (R) is correct.
43. Assertion (A): Be and Mg impart characteristic colour to the flame.
Reason (R): As compared to other alkaline earth metals, ionisation enthalpy of Beand Mgis
low.
1) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
2) If both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
3) If (A) is correct, but (R) is incorrect. 4) If (A) is incorrect, but (R) is correct.
44. Assertion (A): Addition of NH4OH to an aqueous solution of BaCl2 in the presence ofexcessof
NH4Cl precipitates Ba(OH)2.
Reason (R): Ba (OH)2 is insoluble in water.
1) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
2) If both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
3) If (A) is correct, but (R) is incorrect. 4) If (A) is incorrect, but (R) is correct.
45 Assertion (A): BaCO3 is more soluble in HNO3 than in water.
Reason (R): Carbonate is a weak base and reacts with H⊕ ions to form strong acidcausing
barium salt to dissociate.
1) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
2) If both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
3) If (A) is correct, but (R) is incorrect. 4) If (A) is incorrect, but (R) is correct.
46. Assertion (A): Calcium and magnesium oxides are not reduced by carbon.
Reason (R): Calcium and magnesium oxides react with carbon to form theirrespective
carbides.
1) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
2) If both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
3) If (A) is correct, but (R) is incorrect. 4) If (A) is incorrect, but (R) is correct.
47. Assertion (A): In curing cement plasters, water is sprinkled from time to time.
Reason (R): It converts sand into silicic acid.
1) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
2) If both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
3) If (A) is correct, but (R) is incorrect. 4) If (A) is incorrect, but (R) is correct.

Integer Type:

48. Calcium carbide reacts with nitrogen and forms an important fertiliser, calcium cyanamide.
How much calcium cyanamide is formed when 6.4 g of calcium carbide is completely converted
into cyanamide?
49. Magnesium oxide when mixed with a saturated solution of MgCl2, sets to a hard mass known as
‘Sorel cement’ is formed. The composition of Sorel cement is MgCl2.nMgO.xH2O. What is the
value of n?
50 How many water molecules are present as water of crystallisation in gypsum?

C08: AICE Module-23 87