Question

Dehydration of hydrates of halides of calcium, barium and strontium i.e., `CaCI_(2). 6H_(2)O, BaCI_(2).2H_(2)O, SrCI_(2).2H_(2)O`, can be achieved by heating. These become wet on keeping in air. Which of the following statements is correct about these halides?
A. Act as dehydrating agent
B. Can absorb moisture from air
C. Tendency to form hydrate decreases from calcium to barium
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Correct Answer - D
Chlorides of alkaline earth metals are hydrated salts. Due to their hygroscopic nature, they can be used as a dehydrating agent, to absorb moisture from air. Extent of hydration decreases from Mg to Ba i.e., `MgCI_(2).6H_(2), CaCI_(2).6H_(2)O BaCI_(2).2H_(2)O, SrCI_(2).2H_(2)O`