s-BLOCK ELEMENTS

Total number of Questions in s-Block Elements are :

In Chapter Examples ......................................15

Solved Examples ............................................06

Total no. of questions ...................................21

 s-BLOCK ELEMENTS
1. INTRODUCTION (d) Because of similarity in electronic configuration,
they exhibit similar properties.
(a) Elements of group 1 (or I A) and 2 (or II A) are
(e) A regular gradation in their properties with
known as s-block elements.
increase in atomic number is observed due to
(b) Their (n – 1) shells are completely filled
increasing size of atoms / ions.
and differentiating (last) electron enters into
(f) Of all the alkali metals, only sodium and
ns sub-orbit.
potassium are found in abundance in nature.
(c) General electronic configurations are
(g) Francium occurs only in minute quantities as a
Group 1 [Inert gas]ns1
radioactive decay product and due to its
Alkali metals
radioactiv e nature it possesses some
Group 2 [Inert gas] ns2
remarkable difference, it is not included in
Alkaline Earth metals
following studies.
2. THE ALKALI METALS 3. THE ALKALINE EARTH METALS
(a) Group 1 elements are called as alkali metals (a) Group 2 elements are called alkaline earth
because their oxides and hydroxides when metals because their alkaline oxides are
treated with water, form alkaline solutions. nonfusible like earth matter SiO2, and were known
(b) This includes the typical or representative before the discovery of these elements and thus
elements such as Li and Na as well as K, Rb, are called alkaline earth metals.
Cs and Fr. l (b) This includes the typical elements Be and Mg
(c) Because of their high reactivity, they are never as well as Ca, Sr, Ba and Ra.
found in the free state.

4. PHYSICAL PROPERT IES OF s-BLOCK

ELEMENTS

Property Alkali metal Alkaline earth metal

4.1 Density (a) All are light metals (a) Heavier than alkali metals
(b) Density increases gradually from Li to Cs. (b) Density decrease slightly up to
Ca after which it increases
(c) Li is lightest known metal among all. (c) Density of Mg is greater than
(d) K is lighter than Na because of low density Ca
4.2 M.pt. and B.pt. (a) The lattice energy of these atoms in (a) Melting points and boiling
metallic crystal lattice is relatively low and points are more than that of
thus these possess low m. pt. & b. pt. alkali metals
(b) Lattice energy decreases from Li to Cs and (b) Do not show any regular trend.
thus m. pt. and b. pt. also decrease from Li
to Cs.
4.3 specific heat It decreases from Li to Cs The trend is not regular
Li > Na > K > Rb > Cs however values are greater than
that of alkali metals.

4.4 Physical state (a) All are silvery white metals. (a) All are greyish white
(b) Light soft, malleable and ductile metals (b) Relatively harder.
with metallic lustre
(c) Both are diamagnetic and colourless in
form of ions
Property Alkali metal Alkaline earth metal

4.5 Conducting power Both are good conductor of heat and electricity

4.6 Flame colour (a) Both produces characteristic colour in (a) Be and Mg do not show any
bunsen flame due to easy excitation of colour as their electrons are
electron to higher energy levels. more strongly bound.
(b) Characteristic flame colours are (b) Ca – Brick red, Sr – Crimson
Li – Crimson, Na – Golden Yellow, K – Pale Ba–apple green, Ra – Crimson
violet, Rb and Cs – Violet
(c) Energy released (c) Be and Mg atoms due to their
Li+ < Na+ < K+ < Rb+ < Cs+ small size, bind their
electrons more strongly
because of higher effective
nuclear charge. Hence these
posses high excitation energy
and are not excited by the
flame energy and do not show
any colour.
(d) The flame energy causes an excitation of
the outermost electron which on reverting
back to its initial position gives out the
absorbed energy as visible light
4.7 Ionisation Energy (a) Due to unpaired electrons in ns sub shell (a) Due to smaller size, electrons
as well as due to their larger size, the are tightly held as compared
outermost electron is far from the nucleus, to alkali metal
the removal of electron is easier and these
have low values of ionisation potential.
(b) I.P. of these metals decreases from Li to (b) The IP, values decreases with
Cs increase of atomic radii from
Be to Ba
4.8 Hydration of ions (a) Hydration represents for the dissolution
of a substance in water to get absorb water
molecule by weak valency forces Hydration
of ions in the process when ions on
dissolution in water get hydrated.
(b) Smaller the cation greater is the degree of (b) Hydration energy -
hydration. Hydration energy - Be+2 > Mg+2 > Ca+2 > Sr+2 >
Li+ > Na+ > K+ > Rb+ > Cs+ Ba+2
(c) Li+ being smallest in size has maximum
degree of hydration and that is why lithium
salts are mostly hydrated and moves very
slowly under the influence of electric field
4.9 Oxidation no. and (a) These elements easily form univalent +ve ion (a) The IP1 of these metals are
valency by losing solitary ns1 electrone due to low IP much lower than I P2 and thus
value it appears that these metals
should form univalent ion
rather than divalent ions but
in actual practice, all these
give bivalent ion.
 Property Alkali metal Alkaline earth metal

4.10 Electronegativity (a) These metals are highly electopositive and (a) Their electronegativities are also
thereby possess low values of electro small but are higher than that
negativities. of alkali metals
(b) Electronegativity of alkali metals decreases (b) Electronegativty decrease from
down the group Be to Ba
Li > Na > K > Rb > Cs

4.11 Standard oxidation (a) Since alkali metals easily lose ns 1 (a) They lose two electrons to give
potential and electron, they have high values of oxidation M+2 ion
reducing properties potential

i.e. M + aq  Maq. + e-
(b) Standard oxidation potentials are listed (b) Std. oxidation potential are
below Be Mg Ca Sr
Li Na K Rb Cs 1.69 2.35 2.87 2.90
3.05 2.71 2.93 2.99 2.99
(c) Li have greatest reducing nature due to
maximum hydration energy of Li+ ion

Sol. Due to their low ionisation energies, these

Examples Physical properties of s-Block
based on Element elements can easily form the univalent ions (M+
ions) by losing the single ns1 electron. Since
Ex.1 The density of - the unipositive ions have the stable noble gas
(A) Na > K (B) Na = K configuration (s2 or s2 p6) in the valence shell,
(C) K > Na (D) Li > K the energy required to pull out another electron
Ans. [A] from the valence shell is very high i.e. the second
Sol. The densities of elements of group 1are quite
ionisation energies of these metals are very high.
low (Li = 0.534 g/cc, Na = 0.972, K = 0.559, Rb
= 1.53, Cs = 1.903). It increases gradually in Therefore, under ordinary conditions, it is not
moving from Li to Cs. However potassium is possible for the metals to form M 2+ ions.
lighter than sodium probably due to an unusual Therefore, they show only + 1 oxidation state.
increase in atomic size of potassium.
Ex.4 The correct order of decreasing hydrated radius -
Ex.2 Alkali metals ions sare - (A) Na+ (aq) > Li+ (aq) > K+ (aq) > Rb+ (aq) >
(A) Diamagnetic and coloured Cs+ (aq)
(B) Diamagnetic and colourless
(C) Paramagnetic and coloured (B) K+ (aq) > Li+ (aq) > Na+ (aq) > Rb+ (aq) >
(D) Paramagnetic and colourless Cs+ (aq)
Ans. [B] (C) Cs+(aq) > Rb+ (aq) > K+ (aq) > Na+ (aq) >
Sol. Since the electronic configurations of M+ ions Li+ (aq)
are similar to those of noble gases (s2 or s2 p6), (D) Li+ (aq) > Na+ (aq) > K+ (aq) > Rb+ (aq) >
these ions have no unpaired electrons and
Cs+ (aq)
consequently are diamagnetic and colourless.
Ans. [D]
Ex.3 Alkali metals show - Sol. Hydration energy and hydrated radius decrease
(A) Only + 1 oxidation state down the group with increase in the size of
(B) Only – 1 oxidation state
cation.
(C) + 1 and + 2 oxidation states
(D) – 1 and – 2 oxidation states 
Liaq. 
> Naaq. 
> K aq. 
> Rbaq. > Cs aq.
Ans. [A]
Ex.5 Which of the following does not colour the flame - Sol. Be & Mg has a high value of I.E. Energy of
(A) Li and Be (B) Li and Na flame is not sufficient to excite their electron.
(C) Be and Mg (D) Li and Mg
Ans. [C]
5.CHEMICALPROPERTIESOFs-BLOCKELEMENTS

Property Alkali metal Alkaline earth metal

5.1 Action with air (a) On exposure to moist air, all alkali (a) Except beryllium these metals are
metals except lithium tarnish quickly. easily tarnish in air as a layer of
(b) The effect of atmosphere increases from oxide is formed on their surface.
Li to Cs, that is why these are kept in (b) The effect of atmosphere increases
kerosene oil. as the atomic number increases.
(c) They generally form oxides and (c) They give oxides of ionic nature
peroxides. M+2O -2 which are crystalline in
nature.
M+O2  M2O O 
 2 M2O2
Oxide Peroxide

5.2 Action with water (a) Alkali metals decompose water with (a) Ca, Sr, Ba and Ra decompose
the evolution of hydrogen cold water readily with evolution
of hydrogen.
2M+2H2O   2MOH + H2
M+2 H2O   M (OH)2+ H2
(b) Li decompose water slowly, sodium (b) Magnesium decomposes
reacts with water quickly K, Rb & boiling water but beryllium is not
Cs react with water vigorously attacked by water even at high
temperatures as its oxidation
(c) Alkali metals react with alcohols potential is lower than the other
forming alkoxides with the evolution members
of hydrogen
2Li+2C2H5OH  2C2H5OLi+ H2
Ethyl alcohol Lithium ethoxide

5.3 Hydrides (a) These metals combine with (a) Except Be, all alkaline earth
H to give white crystalline metals form hydrides (MH2)
ionic hydrides of the general on heating directly with H2
formula MH
(b) The tendency to form their hydrides (b) The stability of hydrides
decreases from Li to Cs, since the decreases from Be to Ra
electropositive character decreases
from
Cs to Li. 2M + H2   2MH
(c) The metal hydrides react with water (c) BeH2 is prepared by the action of
to give MOH & H2 LiAlH4 on BeCl2
MH + H2O   MOH + H2 BeCl 2+LiAlH4  2BeH2+LiCl+ AlCl3
BeH2 & MgH2 is covalent but other are
ionic
(d) The ionic hydrides of Ca, Sr, Ba
liberate H2 at anode and metal at
cathode.
Property Alkali metal Alkaline earth metal

5.4 Carbonates and (a) The carbonates (M 2 CO 3 ) & (a) All these metal carbonates MCO3 are
bicarbonates bicarbonates (MHCO3) are highly insoluble in neutral medium but soluble
stable to heat, where M stands for in acids and decompose on red
alkali metals heating
(b) The stability of these salts increases
with the increasing electropositive (b) The stability of carbonates
character from Li to Cs. It is therefore increases with increase in
Li2 CO3 decompose on heating electropositive character of metal.
Li2CO3  Li2O + CO2
(c) Bicarbonates are decomposed at (c) Bicarbonates of alkaline earth
relatively low temperature. metals do not exist in solid
2MHCO3 300 C 0 state but are known in solution
  M2CO3+H2O+ CO2
only on heating their solution
bicarbonates decomposed to
liberate CO2

M(HCO3)2  MCO3+CO2+H2O
(Solution)

(d) Hydrolysis of carbonate – (d) Solubility of carbonates decrease

Na2CO3 + 2H2O  2NaOH + H2CO3 on moving down the group.
Li2CO3 sparingly soluable
5.5 Halides (a) Alkali metals combine direct with (a) The alkaline earth metals directly
halogens to form ionic halide MX combine with halogens on heating
to give metal halides MX2
(b) The case with which the alkali metals (b) The ionic character of halides
form halides increases form Li to Cs increases from Be to Ra.
due to increase in electropositive
character.
(c) LiX have more covalent character (c) Beryllium halides have covalent
character due to small size and
high effective nuclear charge and
thus do not conduct electricity in
molten state.
(d) Halides having ionic nature have high (d) The solubility of halides in water
m. pt and are good conductor of decreases down the group Except
current in fused state. These are
readily soluble in water. fluorides, all are fairly soluble in
water.
(e) Halides of potassium, rubidium and (e) The decreases in solubility of
ceasium have property of combining halides down the group is due to
with extra halogen atoms forming decrease in hydration energy
polyhalides.
because of increasing size of metal
KI + I2 — KI3
cation .
(f) The halides are hygroscopic and
readily form hydrates
CaCl2.6H2O, BaCl2. 2H2O
(g) CaCl2 has strong affinity with water
and is used as dehydrating agent.
Property Alkali metal Alkaline earth metal

5.6 Sulphates (a) All these form sulphates of type (a) MSO4 type sulphates are formed
M2SO4
(b) Except Li2SO4 rest all are soluble in (b) The solubility of sulphates
water. decreases on moving down the
group. BeSO4 is soluble in water
while BaSO 4 is completely
insoluble
(c) These sulphates on fusing with (c) MSO4 + 2C  MS + CO2
carbon form sulphides
M2SO4+ 4C  M2S + 4CO

5.7 Nitrates (a) Nitrates of both are soluble in water

and decompose on heating.
(b) LiNO3 decomposes to give NO2 and (b) On heating they decompose into
O2 and rest all give nitrites and their corresponding oxides with
oxygen. evolution of a mixture of nitrogen
2MNO3  2MNO2+O2 (except Li) dioxide and oxygen
4LiNO3  2Li2O + LiNO2+ O2 M(NO3)2  MO+2NOs2+½ O2
5.8 Solubilities in Liq (a) Both metals dissolve in liquid NH3 to
NH3 produce coloured solution which
conducts electricity to an appreciable
degree.
(b) With increasing concentration of
metal in ammonia the blue colour
starts changing to that of metallic
copper after which dissolution of
alkali metals in NH3 ceases.
(c) The metal atom is converted into ion When such a solution is evaporated,
and the electron set free combined hexammoniate, M(NH3) 6 is formed.
with NH3 molecule to produce blue
ammonia solvated electron.
Na Na+ (in Liq NH3) + e 
(Ammoniated)
M+(x+y)NH3  +
 [ M ( N H 3 ) x ]
+ e  (NH3)y (solvated electron)
(d) It is the ammoniated or ammonia
solv ated electron which is
responsible for conducting power,
blue colour, paramagnetic nature and
reducing power of alkali metals in
ammonia solution.
(e) The stability of metal - ammonia
solution decreases form Li to Cs.
5.9 Complex ion (a) A metal shows complex formation
formation only when it has f ollowing
characteristics
(i) Small size
(ii) High nuclear charge
(iii) Presence of empty orbitals in
order to accept electron pair
from ligand
 Property Alkali metal Alkaline earth metal

(b) Only Lithium in alkali metals due to (b) Be+2 on account of smaller size
small size, forms a few complex forms many complexes such as
ions. Rest all alkali metals do not [Be F3]-1 , [BeF4]-2
possess the tendency to form
complex ion.
5.10 Formation of (a) Alkali metals and alkaline earth
amalgams metals get dissolved in mercury to
form amalgams with evolution of heat
and the amalgamation is highly
exothermic.
(b) Alkali metals form alloys themselves
as well as with other metals.

5.11 Basic nature of (a) Na2O + H2O  2NaOH  2Na++ (a) The order is –
hydroxide OH– Be(OH)2<Mg(OH)2< Ca(OH)2<
The order is – Sr(OH)2 < Ba(OH)2
LiOH < NaOH < KOH < RbOH <
CsOH
5.12 Reaction with acids (a) Reacts vigorously with acids (a) Freely reacts with acids and
2M + H2SO4  M2SO4 + H2 displaces hydrogen.
M + 2HCl  MCl2 + H2
5.13 Extraction (a) Alkali metals being strong reductant, (a) Alkaline earth metals being
cannot be extracted by reduction of reducing agents cannot be
their oxides and other compounds. extracted by ordinary chemical
reduction methods.
(b) On account of strong electropositive (b) Electrolysis of aqueous solution
character, it is not possible to use of their compounds cannot be
the method of displacing them from employed for extraction as they
their solutions by any other element. react with water.
(c) Electrolysis of their aqueous (c) The metals are best extracted by
solution cannot be applied as the electrolysis of their fused
hydrogen is liberated at cathode in metal halides containing NaCl.
place of alkali metals as their Addition of NaCl reduces the
discharge potential is very high. fussion temperature.

Examples Ex.8 Which of the following does not give an oxide

based on Chemical Properties of s-Block Elements
on heating -
Ex.6 Basic character is maximum for - (A) MgCO3 (B) Li2CO3
(A) LiOH (B) CsOH (C) ZnCO3 (D) K2CO3
(C) KOH (D) NaOH Ans. [D]
Ans. [B] Sol. Alkali metal carbonates (except Li2CO3) do not
Sol. Basic charater of hydroxides increase down the decompose on heating.
group
Ex.7 Which of the following halides has the highest Ex.9 When heated in steam, Mg burns brilliantly
melting point - producing -
(A) NaCl (B) NaI (C) NaBr (D) NaF (A) Mg(OH)2 (B) MgO and H2
(C) MgO and O2 (D) MgO and O3
Ans. [D] Ans. [B]
Sol. Lattice energy increase in following order
MI < MBr < MCl < MF (M = Metal) Sol. Mg + H2O 
 MgO + H2
Ex.10 A blue coloured solution of sodium in liquid NH3 (j) Lithium hydroxide decomposes at red heat to
acts as strong reducing agent, because - form Li2O. Hydroxides of other alkali metals do
(A) of ammoniated sodium not decompose.
(B) ammonia dissociates 2 LiOH  Li2O + H2O
(C) sodium nitride is formed (k) LiHCO3 is known in solution but not in solid
(D) of ammoniated electron state while the bicarbonates of other alkali
Ans. [D] metals are known in solid state.
(l) Li2CO3 is less stable, as it decomposes on
Sol.  Na+ (NH3)x + e- (NH3)y
Na + (x + Y) NH3 
heating.
Ex.11 When magnesium ribbon is heated to redness Li2CO3 
 Li2O + CO2
in an atmosphere of nitrogen and subsequently (m) Li2SO4 is the only alkali metal sulphate, which
cooled with water, the gas evolved is - does not form double salts e.g. , alum.
(A) N2 (B) NH3 (n) Lithium reacts with bromine very slowly. Other
(C) N2 (D) CO2 alkali metal react violently.
Ans. [B] (o) Li when heated in NH3 forms imide Li2NH while
Sol. Magnesium reacts with nitrogen to form other alkali metals form amides. MNH2
magnesium nitride, Mg3N2 as a greenish yellow
(p) LiOH is much weaker base than NaOH or KOH.
amorphous powder . It reacts with water forming
(q) Lithium shows resemblance with magnesium,
magnesium hydroxide and ammonia.
an element of group II A. This resemblance is
Mg3N2 + 6H2O  3Mg(OH)2 + 2NH3 termed as diagonal relationship.
6. EXCEPTIONAL PROPERTIES SHOWN BY 6.2 Anomalous behaviour of Beryllium
s-BLOCK ELEMENTS (a) It is the hardest of all alkaline earth metal as
In s-block elements Li & B e shows anomalous maximum metallic bonding is their due to
behavior due to their extremely small size. smallest size.
6.1 Anomalous behavior of Lithium (b) The melting and boiling points of the beryllium
(a) The first member of alkali group exhibits the are the highest .
characteristic properties but it differs at time in
many respects from them due to small atomic (c) It is least reactive due to highest ionisation
and ionic size. potential.
(b) On account of its small size exerts the greatest (d) due to low value of oxidation potential it does
polarising effect out of all the alkali metals and not decompose water.
ions,consequently covalent character is
developed (e) Due to high charge density its polarising effect
(c) Li has the highest ionisation energy and is highest and it forms covalent bond.
electronegativity as compared to other alkali (f) Be does not react directly with hydrogen. (BeH2
metals. is formed by indirect method)
(d) It is not affected by air easily and does not lose
its lustre even on melting. (g) It dissolves in alkalies with evolution of hydrogen
(e) It is more harder and lighter than other alkali Be + 2 NaOH + 2 H2ONa2BeO2.2H2O + H2
metals. Sodium beryllate
(f) It reacts slowly with water to liberate hydrogen. other alkaline earth metals do not react with
(g) It does not react with oxygen below 0oC. When alkalies
burnt in air or oxygen, it forms only monoxide, (h) It does not liberate hydrogen from acids readily
Li2 O. However, the rest of the alkali metals give due to lowest oxidation potential amongst
peroxide or superoxides alkaline earth metals.
(h) Li2O is much less basic than oxides of other
(i) Oxides and hydroxides of beryllium are
alkali metals.
(i) Lithium is the only alkali metal which directly amphoteric in nature.
reacts with nitrogen to from Li3N. BeO + H2SO4   BeSO4 + H2O
6Li + N2 2Li3N BeO + 2 NaOH   Na2BeO2 + H2O
 BeO has a 4 : 4 Zinc sulphide (Wurtzite) Sol. The ionisation potential value of Lithium is
Structure, but all others have a 6 : 6 sodium maximum among alkali metals i.e. its tendency
chloride structure to ionise to give Li+ ions should be the minimum
i.e. Li should be the poorest reducing agent.
Be (OH)2 + 2HCl   BeCl + 2H2O
But, lithium is the strongest reducing agent. This
Be (OH)2 + 2HCl   Na2BeO2 + 2H2O is due to the largest value of hydration energy
The hydroxide is unstable in water and is covalent
in nature. of Li+ ions.
(j) Like Al, its carbide (Be2C) on hydrolysis evolves
methane. 7. SODIUM
(k) Its carbonate is instable towards heat.
(l) As very high energy is required to excite 7.1 Occurence
electron from lowest energy state. Alkali metals are highly reactive, they do not
(m) Due to its small size it has strong tendency to occur in free state. In combined state they
form complex. are found in the form of ores.
(n) It shows diagonal relationship with Al.
7.2 Ores of Sodium
(i) Rock salt or sodium chloride - NaCl
Examples Exceptional Properties Shown by s-Block
based on elements (ii) Chile salt petre or sodium nitrate - NaNO3
(iii) Borax or sodium borate - Na2B4O7 . 10H2O
Ex.12 Both Be and Al become passive on reaction with
conc. nitric acid due to – (iv) Glauber's salt - Na2SO 4 . 10H2O
(A) The non reactive nature of the metal (v) Cryolite - Na3AlF 6
(B) The non reactive nature of the acid
(vi) Soda Feldspar - NaAl Si3O 8
(C) The formation of an inert layer oxide on the
surface of the metals
7.3 Extraction of Sodium
(D) None of these
Sodium is extracted from sodium chloride by
Ans. [C]
a process known as Down's process.
Sol. Both Be and Al are rendered passive due to
formation of inert, insoluble and impervious oxide (i) Down's Process :
layer on their surface. Sodium is obtained by the electrolysis of a
Ex.13 Which of the following is an amphoteric oxide - mixture of sodium chloride (40%) and calcium
chloride (60%). CaCl2 which is a fusing agent
(A) CaO (B) SrO
is added to lower the melting point of NaCl
(C) BeO (D) MgO
from 1085K to 850 K.
Ans. [C]
Sol. BeO, because it is least electropositive in its group. The main reason of lowering the temperature
are -
Therefore, instead of basic oxide, it forms amphoteric
oxide. (a) The melting point of NaCl is very high
and it is very difficult to maintain this
Ex.14 Which one of the following is most stable in temperature
ether - (b) Sodium is volatile at high temperature
(A) BeCl2 (B) CaCl2 and therefore a part of metal possesed
(C) SrCl2 (D) None of these may vapourise forming fog.
Ans. [A] (c) Chlorine produced as by product may
Sol. Due to smaller cation BeCl2 is most covalent corrode the material of the vessel at this
and is most stable in ether. temperature.
Ex.15 Li has the maximum value of ionisation potential (d) The metal obtained at this temeprature
among alkali metals i.e. lithium has the will be in collidal state and its seperation
minimum tendency to ionise to give Li+ ion. will be difficult.
Thus, lithium is - (ii) By Electrolysis :
(A) Strongest reducing agent NaCl  Na+ + Cl¯
(B) Poorest reducing agent
At cathode : Na+ + e¯  Na
(C) Strongest oxidising agent
(D) Poorest oxidising agent At anode : Cl¯  Cl + e¯
Ans. [A] Cl + Cl  Cl 2
Note : Aqueous sodium chloride cannot be used for (ii) Its solubility in water is 36 gm in 100 gm of
preparing sodium by electrolysis. Because water at 0°C.
instead of metallic sodium, hydrogen gas will
(iii) Pure sodium chloride is non-hygroscopic but
be liberated at cathode.
due to the impurities of CaCl2. 2H2O and
7.4 Properties
MgCl2. 2H2O it behave as hygroscopic.
(i) Highly reactive, so kept in kerosene.
(iv) Reaction with K2Cr2O7 + H2SO4 (conc.)
(ii) Na dissolve in liquid NH3  Blue solution 
4NaCl + K2Cr2O7 + 5H2SO4   4NaHSO4
(iii) It form sodium amalgam with mercury. + H2SO4 + 2CrO2Cl 2 + 3H2O
(iv) Action of Air (Orange red)
2H O 8.1.3 Uses
4Na + O 2 Moist
 2Na 2 O 
2

Air
(i) Used as a table salt, an essential constituent
CO 2
4NaOH   Na2CO 3 + 2H2O of our food.
7.5 Uses (ii) It is used in freezing mixture
(i) Sodium with lead alloy is used to prepare 8.2 Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO 3)
tetraethyl lead (C2H5)4Pb, which acts as an
antiknock compound for petrol. It exists in various form.
4C2H5Cl + 4Na + 4Pb  (C2H5)4Pb + Na2CO3 : Soda ash
4NaCl + 3Pb Na2CO3 . H2O : Crystal corbonate
(ii) In sodium v apour lamp, which emits Na2CO 3 . 7H2O : Hepta hydrate
monochromatic yellow light. Na2CO3 .10H2O : Washing soda
(iii) Used for the preparation of useful reagents
such as NaNH2 (sodamide), Na2O 2, NaCN. 8.2.1 Preparation
(a) Solvay Process :
8. COMPOUNDS OF SODIUM When CO2 gas is passed through a brine
solution (about 28% NaCl) saturated with
8.1 Sodium Chloride (NaCl) ammonia, it gives NaHCO3.
NH3 + CO2 + H2O  NH4HCO 3
8.1.1 Preparation
NH4HCO3 + NaCl  NaHCO 3 + NH4Cl
Sea water is the major source of sodium
chloride. The precipitated sodium bicarbonate is filtered
and dired i.e. Calcination :
Evaporation
Sea water   Crude NaCl. 
By Solar Heat 2NaHCO3   Na2CO 3 + CO2 + H2O
(2.7 to 2.9% of NaCl) Raw material for the process are -
(i) It contains impurities of Na2SO4, MgCl2, CaCl2 (i) Sodium (chloride NaCl)
etc. (ii) Limestone (CaCO3) for CO2
(ii) Insoluble impurities removed by filtration. (iii) Ammonia gas (NH3)
HCl gas passed
(iii) Filtrate      Pure NaCl (ppt) Impurities of MgCl 2 and CaCl 2 salts are
Then HCl gas is passed through the solution precipeted as their carbonates
to get saturated solution due to common ion (b) Leblanc Process :
effect, the crystals of pure NaCl seperate 
NaCl + H2SO 4   NaHSO4 + HCl
out.
at high
(iv) MgCl2 and CaCl2 being in the solution. NaHSO4 + NaCl  
 Na2SO4 + HCl
temp.


8.1.2 Properties Na2SO4 + 4C   Na2S + 4CO
(i) F.C.C. structure of solid. Na2S + CaCO3  CaS + Na2CO 3
8.2.2 Properties 8.3.3 Uses

(i) Hydrolysis : (i) In the preparation of baking powder.

Na2CO3 + 2H2O  H2CO3 + 2NaOH (ii) In the prepartion of effervescent drinks - and
fruit salts.
(ii) It reacts with metal (MgCl2, CaCl 2) to form
insoluble basic carbonate. (iii) In medicines to reince acidity of the stomach
(as Antacid)
CaCl2 + Na2CO 3  CaCO3 + 2NaCl
(iv) In the fire extinguishers
while carbonates of metals like Fe, Al, Sn
etc when formed are immediately hydrolysis. 8.4 Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda), NaOH
Fe(SO4) + 3Na2CO3  Fe2(CO3)3
3H2O 8.4.1 Preparation
   2Fe(OH)3 + 3CO2
(iii) Efflorescence : (i) Caustisization process (Gassage Process) :
Involves heating of a 10% solution of Na2CO3
Na2CO 3 . 10H2O when exposed to air it give
with a little excess of milk of lime [Ca(OH)2].
nine out of ten H2O molecules
Na2CO 3 . 10H 2O  Na2CO 3 . H 2O Na2CO3 + Ca(OH)2  CaCO3 + 2NaOH.
+ 9H2O (ii) Electrolytic Method :
This process is called efflorescene. (a) Nelson cell or Diaphragm cell :

8.2.3 Uses NaCl(Aq.) Na+ + Cl¯

(i) For making fusion mixture - Na2CO3 + K2CO3 H2O H+ + OH¯

(II) In textile and petrolieum refining At Cathode : (Perforated steel)

2H+ + 2e¯  H2
8.3 Sodium Bicarbonate or Baking Soda At Anode : (Graphite)
(NaHCO3) 2Cl¯  Cl2 + 2e¯

8.3.1 Preparation Note : Here H+ ions of H2O are not discharged

It is obtained as an intermidate product in because of the high potential of halogen over
solvay's process for the manufacture of mercury.
Na2CO3. Sodium amalgam is removed from the cell. It
is then decomposed in a seperate cell by
8.3.2 Properties water.
(i) Its aqueous solution is alkaline in nature. 2Na . Hg + 2H2O  2NaOH + H2 + Hg

NaHCO3 + H2O  NaOH + H2CO3 (H2O

8.4.2 Properties
+ CO2)
(i) It absorbs CO2 from air forming Na2CO 3.
(ii) It reacts with acids (HCl, H2SO4) and evolves
CO2. (ii) It may be purificd by dissolving it in alcohol
in which impurities including Na2CO 3 are
NaHCO3 + HCl  NaCl + H2O + CO 2
insoluble.
(iii) When equimolar amounts of Na2CO 3 and (iii) Reaction :
NaHCO 3 are dissolved in water and the
(a) NaOH + SO2  Na2SO3 + H2O
resulting solution cooled to 35°C, crystals of
(b) NaOH + SiO2  Na2SiO3 + H2O
sodium sesquicarbonate Na2CO 3. NaHCO3.
2H2O seperate out. It is neither deliquescent (Sodium silicate or glass)
nor efflorescence and is used for wool (c) 2NaOH + Al2O 3  2NaAlO2 + H2O
washing. (Sodium Aluminate)
(iv) Reaction with Non metals :
9. CALCIUM
(a) No reaction with H2, N2 and C (a) Its important ores are :
(b) (i) Limestone, (Marble) CaCO3
(ii) Gypsum CaSO4 . 2H2O
(iii) Dolomite CaCO3 . MgCO3
(iv) Fluorspur CaF2
(v) Anhydrite CaSO4
(b) Extraction :
(i) It is obtained by the electrolysis of fused
CaCl2. By adding CaF2, melting point of CaCl2
decreases.

CaCl2 700

C
 Ca+2 + 2Cl¯
At Cathode (Iron) : Ca+2 + 2e¯

(c) X2 + 2NaOH  NaX + NaXO  Ca

cold Sodium Hypohalite At Anode (Graphite) : 2Cl¯

3X2 + 6NaOH  NaX + NaXO3 + 2H2O                   Cl2 + 2e¯
hot Sodium Halate (ii) Gold Schmidt (thermite) Process :
(v) Reaction with Metals :
3CaO + 2Al  Al2O3 + 3Ca
(a) With Alkali metals : No reaction
CaO is reduced by Al because it has
(b)
greater affinity for oxygen than Ca.
Note : Unlike Na and K, Calcium cannot be obtanied
by the electrolysis of Ca(OH) 2. Because
Ca(OH)2 when heated strongly form quicklime
which doesnot melt on heating.
(c) Properties :
(i) When heated in a current of CO2, it forms
carbide and oxide.

(c) Formation of unstable hydroxides : 5Ca + 2CO2 Heat

 4CaO + CaC2
HgCl2 + 2NaOH  2NaCl + Hg(OH)2 (ii) It absorbs ammonia forming Ca(NH3)6

 HgO (Yellow) which on heating gives calcium amide
2AgNO 3 + 2NaOH  2NaNO 3
and then calcium nitride.

+ 2AgOH   Ag2O + H2O
(Brown) Ca(NH3)6 Heat
 Ca(NH2)2 + 4NH3 + H2
(vi) Action of carbon monooxide :
3Ca(NH2)2 Heat
 Ca3N2 + 4NH3.
150  200  C
NaOH + CO  
 HCOONa
(vii) Caustic Property : (d) Uses :

NaOH is a powerful caustic and breaks down (i) For removal of sulphur from petroleium.
proteins of the skin and flesh to a pasty mass, (ii) As dehydrating agent in the preparation
therefore it is commonly known as caustic
of absolute alcohol.
soda.
10. COMPOUNDS OF CALCIUM (ii) Action of CO2 : Lime water turns milky on
passing CO2 gas
10.1 Calcium oxide Quick lime, Burnt lime Ca(OH)2 + CO2  CaCO3 + H2O
(CaO). (Milkiness)

10.1.1 Preparation (iii) Action of chlorine :

It is prepared by heating lime stone (CaCO3) (a) Cold Condition :

at 800°C 2Ca(OH) 2 + 2Cl 2  Cold
 CaCl 2
CaCO3 CaO + CO2 H = 179.9 KJ + Ca(OCl)2 + 2H2O
(Cal. Hypochlorite)
Condition for Good Yield :
(b) Below 35°C :
(i) Since the reaction is reversible, therefore the
carbon dioxide formed must be removed as 3Ca(OH)2 + 2Cl2 below
  CaOCl2 + H2O

soon as it is formed so that the reaction 35 C

remain in the forward direction. (c) On gentle Heating :

(ii) Temperature should not be allowed to rise Heat
6Ca(OH)2 + 6Cl2   5CaCl2 + Ca(ClO3)2
above 1270K otherwise silica (SiO2) present
+ 6H2O
as impurity in limestone will react with CaO
to form CaSiO3. (d) On Red Hot :
Re d Heat
10.1.2 Properties 2Ca(OH)2 + 2Cl2    2CaCl2 + 2H2O
+ O2
(i) Action of water :
(iv) Action of Ammonia :
CaO + H2O  Ca(OH)2 + 15000 Caloric
Ca(OH)2 + 2NH4Cl  CaCl2 + 2NH3
(quick lime) (Slaked lime) + 2H2O
Paste of lime in water is called milk of lime, 10.2.3 Uses
while its hydrate is known as lime water.
(i) For softening of hard water.
(ii) With moist chlorine :
(ii) For purification of sugar and coal gas.
CaO + Cl2  CaOCl2 (Bleaching powder)
(iii) In preparation of bleaching powder, white
(iii) When heated with carbon, it forms calcium wash, plaster etc.
carbide. 10.3 Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)

CaO + 3C  2000
 CaC2 + CO
C
10.3.1 Preparation

10.1.3 Uses (i) From slaked lime ;

Ca(OH)2 + CO2  CaCO3 + H2O
(i) In purification of sugar
(ii) From sodium or ammonium carbonate :
(ii) As basic lining in furnances. Na2CO 3 + CaCl2  CaCO3 + 2NaCl

10.2 Calcium hydroxide, Slaked lime Ca(OH)2. 10.3.2 Properties

(i) It is a white solid and emits in two crystalline
10.2.1 Preparation forms i.e.
By the action of water on quick lime. (a) Calcite (b) Aragonite

CaO + H2O  Ca(OH)2 + Heat 10.3.3 Uses

means it is an exothermic reaction. (i) For manufacturing. of cement, washing soda,
10.2.2 Properties marble and glass.
(i) Sparingly soluble in water and its solubility (ii) Used in extraction of metals such as iron.
decreases with increases in temperature. (iii) It is used as a constituent of tooth paste.
10.4 Calcium Sulphate or Gypsum CaSO 4 . (i) For a good quality cement the ratio of silica
2H2O and alumina (Al2O3) should be between 2.5
to 4.0.
10.4.1 Preparation (ii) If lime is in excess the cement cracks during
setting.
(i) CaCO3 + H2SO4  CaSO4 + H2O + CO2
(iii) Water is sprinkled over cement plasters so
(ii) CaCl2 + NaSO4  CaSO4 + 2NaCl that needle like cyrstal’s of hydrated silicates
can form a strong interlocking network.
10.4.2 Properties
11.2 Major Components of Cement
(i) When gypsum is heated to 390K, it changes
to a partially hydrated compound known as (i) Tricalcium silicate : 3CaO . SIO 2
plaster of paris. (ii) Dicalcium silicate : 2CaO . SiO 2
2(CaSO4 . 2H2O)  390K
 (CaSO 4)2H2O (iii) Tricalcium aluminate : 3CaO . Al2O 3
(iv) Tetracalcium aluminate : 4CaO.Al2O3.Fe2O3
1  Dicalcium silicate is slowest setting
+ 3H2O or CaSO4 . HO
2 2 component.
Upon further heating to about 437K it  Tricalcium silicate is fastest setting
becomes completely anhydrous and is called component.
dead burnt plaster.
11.3 Raw Materials
(CaSO4)H2O  473K
 2CaSO4 + H2O (i) Limestone provides CaO
Dead burnt plaster. (ii) Clay provides Al2O3 and sillica (SiO2)
(ii) It forms an important fertilizer (NH4)2SO 4 (iii) Gypsum CaSO4 . 2H2O
CaSO4 + 2NH3 + CO2 + H2O  CaCO 3
+ (NH4)2SO 4. 11.4 Preparation

(iii) It forms double salt with ammonium sulphate as (i) The powdered lime stone (3 parts) and clay
(1 parts) are mixed. The mixture is heated
CaSO4 . (NH4)2SO 4 . H2O. at about 1770 – 1870 K.
(iv) Setting of plastar of Paris : (ii) Following reaction occur :
On mixing with water it forms a plastic mass CaCO3  CaO + CO2
which sets into a hard solid in 5-15 min. This
is called setting of plaster of paris. The 2CaO + SO2  2CaO . SiO2
setting is due to hydration of plaster of paris (Dicalcium Silicate)
into gypsum. 3CaO + SiO2  3CaO . SiO2
(CaSO4)2 . H2O + 3H2O  2CaSO4 . 2H2O (Tricalcium Silicate)
Gypsum 3CaO + Al2O3  3CaO . Al2O 3
11. CEMENT (Tricalcium Aluminate)

It is a finely ground mixture of calcium 4CaO + Al2O3 + Fe2O 3  4CaO . Al2O 3
. Fe2O 3
silicates and aluminates which set to a hard
(Tetra calcium
mass when treated with water.
aluminoferrate)
11.1 Composition of Cement Due to very high temp in this zone about
20 - 30% mass melts and combines with
The average composition of cement is - solid mass to form pebbles known as cement
CaO = 50 to 60%, MgO = 2 – 3%, clinkers.

SiO2 = 20 – 25%, 11.5 Reinforced Concrete Cement (RCC)

When concerete is filled in beams made of
Fe2O3 = 1 – 2%, Al2O3 = 5 – 10%, iron bars, it is called RCC iron imports extra
SO3 = 1 – 2% strength to the structure.
 SOLVED EXAMPLES
Q.1 A colourless solid (X) on heating evolved CO2 Q.4 The highest melting point among alkali metal
and also gave a white residue, soluble in water. of -
Residue also give CO2 when treated with dilute (A) Li (B) Na (C) K (D) Rb
acid (X) is - Sol. (1) Li has highest melting point among alkali
(A) Na2CO3 (B) CaCO3 metals. All alkali metals have low M.P. The
M.P. decrease down the group. The low M.P.
(C) NaHCO3 (D) Ca(HCO3)2
are attributed to their larger atomic size due
to which the binding energies of their atoms
NaHCO3  Na2 CO3 + H2O+CO2
in the crystal lattice are low.
Acid
Sol. (1) Q. 5 Li has the maximum value of ionisation potential
Soluble in CO2
water among alkali metals i.e. lithium has the
minimum tendency to ionise to give Li+ ion.
Q.2 CO2 gas along with solid (Y) is obtained when lithium is -
sodium salt (X) is heated. (X) is again ob- (A) Strongest reducing
tained when CO2 gas is passed into (Y). X & (B) Poorest reducing agent
(C) Strongest oxidising agent
Y are -
(D) Poorest oxidising agent
(A) Na2CO3, Na2O (B) Na2CO3, NaOH Sol. (1) The ionisation potential value of Lithium is
(C) NaHCO3, Na2CO3 (D) Na2CO3, NaHCO3 maximum among alkali metals i.e., its
tendency to ionise to give Li+ ions should
2 NaHCO 3 Na 2 CO3  H 2 O  CO 2
Sol. (3) (X)
Heat

 (Y )
be the minimum i.e. Li should be the
poorest reducing agent. But, lithium is the
strongest reducing agent. This is due to the
Na 2 CO3  H 2 O  CO 2 2 NaHCO 2 largest value of hydration energy of Li+ ions.
(Y )
 (X)
Q. 6 Which of the following compound decomposes
Q.3 Commercial common salt becomes slightly at highest temperature -
damp on keeping. This is due to the fact that - (A) SrCO3 (B) BaCO3
(A) Common salt is hygroscopic (C) CaCO3 (D) MgCO3
(B) Common salt contains some impurity which Sol. (2) BaCO 3 decomposes at highest temp.
All the carbonates decompose on heating
is hygroscopic
to give CO2 and metal oxide.
(C) Salt is efflorescent
MCO3   MO + CO2
(D) Salt is crystalline
Sol. (2) Commercial common salt commonly The stability of carbonate towards heat
becomes slightly damp on keeping depends upon the stability of the resulting
because common salt contains some metal oxide. More is the stability of the
impurity MgCl 2 and CaCl 2 which is resulting metal oxide lesser is the stability
of the carbonate towards heat and vice
hygroscopic in nature and absorbs moisture
versa.
from the atmosphere.