Question

Which of the following chlorides exist as hydrates?
(i) `MgCl_(2)` (ii) NaCl
(iii) KCl (iv) `CaCl_92)`
A. i,ii
B. ii,iii
C. i,iv
D. iii,iv

Answer 1

Correct Answer - C
The hydration enthalpies of alkaline earth metal ions are larger than those of alkali metal ions. Thus, the compounds of alkaline earth metals are more extensvely hydrated than those of alkali metals. For example, `MgCl_(2)` and `CaCl_(2)` exist as `MgCl_(2),6H_(2)O` and `CaCl_(2).6H_(2)O`, respectively. while NaCl and KCl do not form such hydrates.