Section (A) : General facts about elements

The elements in which the last electron enters the outermost s-orbital are called s-block elements.
As the s-orbital can accommodate only two electrons, two groups 1 and 2 belong to the s-block.
Flame Test
The alkali metals and alkaline earth metals and their salts impart characteristic colour to an oxidizing
flame.
Reason: This is because the heat from the flame excites the outermost orbital electron to a higher
energy level. When they drop back to the ground state, there is emission of radiation in the visible
region.
The electrons in beryllium and magnesium are too strongly bound (due to small size) to get excited by
flame. Hence, these elements do not impart any colour to the flame.
Metal Li Na K Rb Cs
Colour Crimson red Yellow Violet / Lilac Red violet Blue
Metal Be Mg Ca Sr Ba
Colour No colour No colour Brick red Crimson red Apple green

Higher oxidation zone

(melting zone) 1550ºC

Higher reduction zone 1560ºC

520ºC
Lower oxidation zone
Lower reduction zone 1450ºC

300ºC

Section (B) Based on Periodic trends

Group – 1st(IA) Elements : (Alkali Metals)
Atomic and Physical properties of the Alkali metals
Lithium Sodium Potassium Rubidium Caesium Francium
Property
Li Na K Rb Cs Fr
Atomic number 3 11 19 37 55 87
Atomic mass (g mol ) –1 6.94 22.99 39.10 85.47 132.91 (223)
Electronic configuration [He] 2s 1 [Ne] 3s 1 [Ar] 4s 1 [Kr] 5s1 [Xe] 6s1 [Rn] 7s1
Ionization enthalpy / kJ mol –1 520 496 419 403 376 ~375
Hydration enthalpy/kJ mol –1 –506 –406 –330 –310 –276 –
Metallic radius / pm 152 186 227 248 265 –
+
Ionic radius M / pm 76 102 138 152 167 (180)
m.p. / K 454 371 336 312 302 –
b.p / K 1615 1156 1032 961 944 –
Density / g cm–3 0.53 0.97 0.86 1.53 1.90 –
Standard potentials E/ V for (M+/ M) –3.04 –2.714 –2.925 –2.930 –2.927 –
Occurrence in lithosphere † 18* 2.27** 1.84** 78-12* 2-6* ~ 10–18*
*ppm (part per million), ** Percentage by weight
s-Block Elements
Group IIA Elements (Alkaline Earth Metals)
Beryllium Magnesium Calcium Strontium Barium Radium
Property
Be Mg Ca Sr Ba Ra
Atomic number 4 12 20 38 56 88
Atomic mass (g mol–1) 9.01 24.31 40.08 87.62 137.33 226.03
Electron configuration [He] 2s2 [Ne] 3s2 [Ar] 4s2 [Kr] 5s2 [Xe] 6s2 [Rn] 7s2
Ionization enthalpy (I) / kJ mol–1 899 737 590 549 503 509
Ionization enthalpy (II) /kJ mol–1 1757 1450 1145 1064 965 979
Hydration enthalpy (kJ/mol) – 2494 – 1921 –1577 – 1443 – 1305 –
Metallic radius / pm 112 160 197 215 222 –
Ionic radius M2+/ pm 31 72 100 118 135 148
m.p. / K 1560 924 1124 1062 1002 973
b.p / K 2745 1363 1767 1655 2078 (1973)
Density / g cm–3 1.84 1.74 1.55 2.63 3.59 (5.5)
Standard potential E/ V for (M2+/ M) –1.97 –2.36 –2.84 –2.89 – 2.92 –2.92
Occurrence in lithosphere 2* 2.76** 4.6** 384* 390* 10–6*

Section (C) & (D) : Based on Chemical Bonding, Properties of elements

Properties of Alkali and Alkaline earth metals
S.No. Atomic Properties Alkali metals Alkaline earth metals
1. Outer Electronic ns1 ns2
configuration
2. Oxidation number (i)These elements easily form univalent The IP1 of these metals are much lower than IP2 and
and valency +ve ion by losing loosely solitary ns1 thus it appears that
electron due to low IP value. these metals should form univalent ion rather than
divalent ions but in actual practice, all these give
bivalent ion.
3. Atomic and Ionic Increase down the group, because value The atomic and ionic radii of the alkali earth metal
radii of n (principal quantum number) are smaller than corresponding alkali metals.
increases. Order = Li < Na < K < Rb < Cs. Reason
higher nuclear charge (Zeff)
On moving down the group size increase, as value
of n increases.
Be < Mg < Ca < Sr < Ba
4. Ionisation Energy As size increases, I.E. decreases down Down the group IE decreases due to increase in
the group (so Cs have lowest I.P.) size. Be > Mg > Ca > Sr > Ba
Order = Li > Na > K > Rb > Cs IE1 of Alkali metal < IE1 of Alkaline earth metal
IE2 of Alkali metal > IE2 of Alkaline earth metal
Reason
IE1 of Alkaline earth metal is large due to increased
nuclear charge in Alkaline earth metal as compared
to Alkali metal but IE2 of Alkali metal is large
because second electron in Alkali metal is to be
removed from cation which has already acquired
noble gas configuration
5. Electropositive Alkali metals are strongly electropositive Due to low IE they are strong electropositive but not
character or metallic and metallic. Down the group as strong as Alkali metal because of comparatively
character electropositive nature increase so metallic high IE. The electropositive character increase down
nature also increases. the group.
i.e. M  M+ + e– Order = Be < Mg < Ca < Sr < Ba
Metallic Nature: Electropositive character
1 /I.P.
Order = Li < Na < K < Rb < Cs.
s-Block Elements
6. Hydration of ions (i) Hydration represents for the Hydration energy = Be2+ > Mg2+ > Ca2+ > Sr2+ >Ba2+
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.
(ii) Hydration energy  charge density on
ion
Degree of hydration  1/Cation size 
charge  1/ionic mobility  1/conductivity
Hydration energy = Li+ > Na+ > K+ > Rb+ >
Cs+
(iii) 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. e.g : LiCl.2H2O.
7. Photoelectric effect The phenomenon of emission of
electrons when electromagnetic rays
strikes
against them is called photoelectric effect;
Alkali metal have low I.P. so show
photoelectric effect. Cs and K are used in
Photoelectric cells.
8. Electronegativity (i)These metals are highly electopositive (i) Their electronegativities are also small but are
and there by possess low values of higher than that of alkali metals
electro negativities. (ii) Electronegativity decrease from Be to Ba
(ii)Electronegativity of alkali metals
decreases down the group.
Order = Li > Na > K > Rb > Cs

S.No. Physical Property Alkali metals Alkaline earth metals

1. Density (i)All are light metals. (i) Heavier than alkali metals.
(ii) Density increase down the group but K is lighter (ii) Density decrease slightly up to Ca after
than Na. which it increases.
Order = Li < K < Na < Rb < Cs (iii) Density of Mg is greater than Ca.
2. Hardness (i) All are silvery white metals. Relatively soft but harder than Alkali
(ii) Light soft, malleable and ductile metals with metals.
metallic luster.
(iii) Diamagnetic and colour less in form of ions.
(iv) These metals are very soft and can be cut with a
knife. Lithium is harder than any other alkali metal.
The cutting of sodium The hardness depends upon cohensive energy.
metal
Cohensive energy  Force of attraction between
atoms.
3. Melting points/ Boiling (i) Lattice energy decreases from Li to Cs and thus They have low Melting points and Boiling
points Melting points and Boiling points also decrease from points but are higher than corresponding
Li to Cs. value of group I.
M.P. = Li > Na > K > Rb > Cs Reason
B.P. = Li > Na > K > Rb > Cs They have two valence electrons which
may participate in metallic bonding
compared with only one electron in Alkali
metal. Consequently group II elements are
harder and have higher cohesive energy
and so, have much higher Melting points /
Boiling points than Alkali metal .
M.P. = Be > Ca > Sr >Ba > Mg ,B.P. = Be
> Ba > Ca > Sr > Mg
4. Specific heat It decreases from Li to Cs. Li > Na > K > Rb > Cs values are lesser than that of alkali metals,
(*need not to memorise) decreases down the group.
*need not memorise.
s-Block Elements
S.No. Chemical Alkali metals Alkaline earth metals
Property
1. (i) They generally form oxides and peroxides. (i) Be and Mg are kinetically inert towards oxygen
M+O2   M2O (Oxide) 
O2
M2O2 (Peroxide) becasue of formation of a film of oxide on their
The alkali metals tarnish in dry air due to the formation surface. However powdered Be burn brilliantly.

of their oxides on their surface. 
2Be + O2 (air)  2BeO(amphoteric) ;
4M + O2 — 2M2O 
3Be + N2 (air)   Be3N2
They react vigorously in oxygen forming following
oxides. (ii) Mg is more electropositive and burns with
4 Li + O2 — 2 Li2O (Monoxide) dazzling brilliance in air give MgO and Mg3N2.

2 Na + O2 — Na2O2 (Peroxide) Mg + O2(air) 
 MgO ;
M + O2 — MO2 ( Superoxide) where M = K, Rb, Cs Mg + N2(air)  
 Mg3N2
Principal Combustion Product (Minor Product) Peroxides are coloured due to lattice defect.
Metal Oxide Peroxide Superoxide (Similar property with Li because both shows
Li Li2O (Li2O2) diagonal relation.)
Na (Na2O) Na2O2
KO2(Orange/Yellow
(iii) Ba gives BaO2 not BaO.
K (iv) Calcium, strontium and barium are readily
Crystalline)
Action with attacked by air to form the oxide and nitride. They
RbO2 (Orange/Yellow
O2 and N2 Rb
Crystalline) also react water with increasing vigour even in cold
Cs
CsO2 (Orange/Yellow to form hydroxides.
Crystalline) (v) BeO, MgO are used as refractory, because they
The oxides and peroxides are colourless when pure. have high M.P.
(ii) All super oxide are paramagnetic and peroxides (vi) Other metals (Ba or Sr form peroxide)
are diamagnetic in nature. 
(iii) The increasing stability of the peroxide or M + O2 
 MO2
superoxide as the size of the metal ion increases is
due to the stabilisation of large anions by larger
cations through lattice energy effect.
(iv) Since all the alkali metals are highly reactive
towards air ; they are kept in kerosene oil. Reactivity
increases from Li to Cs.
(v) Only Lithium reacts with N2 (at room temperature)
to form ionic lithium nitride Li3N because Li being
strongest reducing agent converts N2 into N3–.
3Li + 1/2N2 — Li3N
2. (i) Alkali metals decompose water to form the (i) Ca, Sr, Ba and Ra decompose cold water readily
hydroxides having the formula MOH and dihydrogen. with evolution of hydrogen.
2M + 2H2O — 2MOH(aq.) + H2(g) (M = An alkali M + 2H2O   M(OH) 2 + H2
metal).
(ii) Li decompose water slowly, sodium reacts with (ii) Magnesium decomposes boiling water but
beryllium is not attacked by water even at high
water quickly K, Rb and Cs react with water
temperatures as its oxidation potential is lower
vigorously.
(iii) It may be noted that although lithium has most than the other members
negative E value (In below table), its reaction with
water is less vigorous than that of sodium which has
the least negative E value among the alkali metals.
This behaviour of lithium is attributed to its small size
and very high hydration energy. It’s explanation lies in
Kinetics, released energy in case of K, Rb, Cs is
Action with sufficient to melt or even vapourise and so more
water surface area is exposed to the water and kinetically
reaction is faster than lithium. Other metals of the
group react explosively with water.
Alkali metals
Property
Li Na K Rb Cs Fr

Standard
– 2.714

– 2.925

– 2.930

– 2.927
– 3.04

potentials
–

E/V for
(M+/M)

(iv) They also react with proton donors such as

alcohol, gaseous ammonia and terminal alkynes
evolution of hydrogen.
2M + 2C2H5OH — 2C2H5OM + H2
Ethyl alcohol Metal ethoxide
3. (i)They react with H2 forming metal hydride with (i) Except Be, all alkaline earth metals form hydrides
formula MH which are of ionic nature. Stability of (MH2) on heating directly with H2.
hydride decreases down the group. Since the (ii)The stability of hydrides decreases from Be to Ra.
Hydrides
electropositive character decreases from Cs to Li. (iii) BeH2 is prepared by the action of LiAlH4 on
2M + H2 —2MH BeCl2.
s-Block Elements
(iii) The metal hydrides react with water to give MOH BeCl2 +LiAlH4 — 2BeH2 + LiCl+ AlCl3
and H2. (act as reducing agent) BeH2 & MgH2 is covalent and polymeric but other are
MH + H2O — MOH + H2 ionic.
H H H
Be Be
H H H

(iv) The ionic hydrides of Ca, Sr, Ba liberate H2 at

anode and metal at cathode.
4. (i)The alkali metals react vigorously with halogens to (i)The alkaline earth metals directly combine with
form ionic halides M+X–. halogens on heating to give metal halides MX2
2M + X2 2 M+X– (X=F,Cl,Br,I)
(ii) Alkali metals halides (Cl2, Br2, I2) formation is (ii) Thermal decomposition of (NH4)2BeF4 is the best
increases form Li to Cs due to increase in route for the preparation of BeF2, and BeCl2 is
electropositive character. conveniently made from the oxide.
Order of reactivity towards F2
Li > Na > K > Rb > Cs BeO + C + Cl BeCl2 + CO
(iii) LiX have more covalent character (It is because of Anhydrous beryllium halide can not be obtained from
the high polarisation capability of Lithium ion (fajan’s materials made in aqueous solution because the
rules)). hydrated ions [Be(H2O)4]2+ is formed. i.e.
(iv)Halides having ionic nature have high melting point [Be(H2O)4]Cl2
and are good conductor of current in fused state. On dehydration, hydrolysis takes place.
These are readily soluble in water. heat
(v) Halides of potassium, rubidium and ceasium have [Be(H2O)4]Cl2   Be(OH)2 + 2HCl
property of combining with extra halogen atoms (iii) Except for beryllium halides, all other halides of
forming polyhalides. alkaline earth metals are ionic in nature. Beryllium
KI + I2 — KI3 halides are essentially covalent and soluble in
organic solvents. Beryllium chloride has a chain
structure in the solid state as shown below :
Cl–Be–Cl

Cl Cl
Halides Be Be Be
Cl
Cl
In the vapour phase BeCl2 tends to form a chloro-
bridged dimer which dissociates into the linear
monomer at high temperatures of the order of 1200
K.
(iv)The ionic character of halides increases from Be
to Ra.
(v)Beryllium halides have covalent character due to
small size and high effective nuclear charge and thus
do not conduct electricity in molten state.
(vi) The fluorides are relatively less soluble than the
chlorides owing to their high lattice energies.
(vii)The decreases in solubility of halides down the
group is due to decrease in hydration energy
because of increasing size of metal cation .
(viii) The tendency to form halide hydrates gradually
decreases (for example, MgCl2·6H2O, CaCl2·6H2O,
SrCl2·6H2O and BaCl2·2H2O) down the group. The
dehydration of hydrated chlorides, bromides and
iodides of Ca, Sr and Ba can be achieved on heating;
however, the corresponding hydrated halides of Be
and Mg on heating suffer hydrolysis.
(ix) CaCl2 has strong affinity with water and is used
as dehydrating agent.
5. Property
Alkali metals The alkaline earth metals are strong reducing agents.
Li Na K Rb Cs Fr This is indicated by large negative values of their
Standard reduction potentials (below table). However their
– 2.714

– 2.925

– 2.930

– 2.927
– 3.04

Reducing potentials reducing power is less than those of their

–

nature E/V for corresponding alkali metals. Beryllium has less

(M+/M) negative value compared to other alkaline earth
(*need not
to (i) Reducing agent is electron donor. The alkali metals metals.
memorise) are strong reducing agents, lithium being the most and However, its reducing nature is due to large
sodium the least powerful (above table). The standard hydration energy associated with the small size of
electrode potential (E) which measures the reducing Be2+ ion and relatively large value of the atomization
power represents the overall change : enthalpy of the metal.
s-Block Elements
M(s)  M(g) Sublimation enthalpy Alkaline earth metals
Property
M(g) M+(g) + e– Ionization enthalpy Be Mg Ca Sr Ba Ra
M+(g) + H2O  M+ (aq) Hydration enthalpy Standard

– 1.97

– 2.36

– 2.84

– 2.89

– 2.92

– 2.92
(ii) Lithium is expected to be least reducing agent due potentials
to it's very high I.E. However, lithium has the highest E/V for
hydration enthalpy which accounts for its high negative (M+/M)
E value and its high reducing power.
Reducing Nature in gas phase
= Li < Na < K < Rb < Cs.
Reducing Nature in aqueous condition
= Li > Cs > Rb > K > Na.

6. (i) These oxides are easily hydrolysed by water to form Basic/thermal stability
the hydroxides.
Thus M2O (oxide) + H2O  MOH = Be(OH)2<Mg(OH) 2<Ca(OH) 2<Sr(OH)2 <Ba(OH) 2
M2O2 (peroxide) + H2O  2 MOH +H2O2
Basic MO2 (superoxide) + H2O  2 MOH +H2O2+O2
nature of (ii) The Hydroxide which are obtained by the reaction
hydroxide of the oxide. With water all are white crystalline solids.
The alkali metal hydroxides are the strongest of all
bases and dissolve freely in water with evolution of
much heat an account of intense hydration.
Basic nature/Solubility in water/Thermal stability
= LiOH < NaOH < KOH < RbOH < CsOH
7. (i) The carbonates (M2CO3) and bicarbonates (i) All these metal carbonates MCO3 are insoluble in
(MHCO3) are highly stable to heat, where M as alkali neutral medium but soluble in acids and decompose
metals. on red heating.
(ii) Group 1 metals are so strongly basic, they (except (ii) The stability of carbonates increases with
lithium) also form solid bicarbonates. No other metals increase in electropositive character of metal.
form solid bicarbonates. Lithium carbonate is not so BeCO3 < MgCO3 < CaCO3 < SrCO3 < BaCO3
stable to heat. Its hydrogencarbonate does not exist
(iii) Bicarbonates of alkaline earth metals do not exist
as a solid. Although NH4HCO3 also exists as a solid. in solid state but are known in solution only on
(iii) The stability of these salts increases with the heating their solution bicarbonates decomposed to
increasing electropositive character from Li to Cs. It is
liberate CO2 .
therefore Li2CO3 decompose on heating. 
Thermal stability/Solubility in water. M(HCO3)2  MCO3+CO2 + H2O
Li2CO3 < Na2CO3 < K2CO3 < Rb2CO3 < Cs2CO3 (Solution)
LiHCO3 does not exist in solid form due to high (iv)Solubility of carbonates decrease on moving
polarizing power of Li+ and uncomparable size of Li+ down the group.
cation and HCO3– anion. BeCO3 > MgCO3 > CaCO3 > SrCO3 > BaCO3

Li2CO3  Li2O + CO2
(iv) Bicarbonates are decomposed at relatively low
Carbonates temperature.
2MHCO3   M2CO3 + H2O+ CO2
and 300ºC
bicarbonates
(v) Hydrolysis of carbonate
Na2CO3 + 2H2O —2NaOH + H2CO3
Li2CO3 + 2H2O — sparingly soluble
(vi) The crystal structures of NaHCO3 and KHCO3 both
show hydrogen bonding, but are different.
(a) In NaHCO3, the HCO3– ions are linked into an
infinite chain.
(b) in KHCO3, RbHCO3, CsHCO3, HCO3– forms a
dimeric anion.
Solubility in water NaHCO3 < KHCO3 < RbHCO3 <
CsHCO3

(a)

(b)

8. (i) A metal shows complex formation only when it has Be2+ on account of smaller size forms many
following characteristics. complexes such as [Be F3]–, [BeF4]2–
(a) Small size, (b) High nuclear charge, (c) Presence Chlorophyll contains Mg2+ [Photosynthetic pigment in
Complex
of empty orbitals in order to accept electron pair plants] (C.No.= 4)
ion
from ligand (electron pair donor species). [Be(H2O)4]2+ + H2O — [Be(H2O)3OH]+ + H3O+
formation
(ii) Due to small size only Lithium in alkali metals,
forms a few complex ions. Rest all alkali metals do not
possess the tendency to form complex ion.
s-Block Elements
Reacts vigorously with acids The alkaline earth metals readily react with acids
Reaction 2M + H2SO4 —M2SO4 + H2 liberated dihydrogen.
9.
with acids
M + 2HCl — MCl2 + H2
(i) Alkali metals get dissolved in mercury to form Alkaline earth metals get dissolved in mercury to
Formation amalgams with evolution of heat and the form amalgams with evolution of heat and the
10. of amalgamation is highly exothermic. amalgamation is highly exothermic.
amalgams (ii) Alkali metals form alloys themselves as well as with
other metals.
(i) MSO4 type sulphates are formed
11. Sulphates (i) All these form sulphates of type M2SO4. (ii)The solubility of sulphates decreases on moving
(ii) Except Li2SO4 rest all are soluble in water. down the group. The sulphates of the alkaline earth
Thermal stability /solubility in water metals are all white solids and stable to heat. BeSO4,
Li2SO4 < Na2SO4 < K2SO4 < Rb2SO4 < Cs2SO4 and MgSO4 are readily soluble in water; the solubility
(iii)These sulphates on fusing with carbon form decreases from CaSO4 to BaSO4. The greater
sulphides. hydration enthalpies of Be2+ and Mg2+ ions overcome
M2SO4 + 4C — M2S + 4CO the lattice enthalpy factor and therefore their
sulphates are soluble in water.
Thermal stability
BeSO4 < MgSO4 < CaSO4 < SrSO4 < BaSO4
Solubility in water
BeSO4 > MgSO4 > CaSO4 > SrSO4 > BaSO4

12. Sulphides All metals react with S forming sulphides such as (iii) MSO4 + 2C — MS + 2CO2
Na2S and Na2Sn (n = 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6). The polysulphide M2+ + S2– — MS
ions are made from zig-zag chains of sulphur atoms.
13. (i) Nitrates of both are soluble in water and On heating they decompose into their corresponding
decompose on heating. oxides with evolution of a mixture of nitrogen dioxide
(ii) LiNO3 decomposes to give NO2 and O2 and rest all and oxygen.
give nitrites and oxygen.
M(NO3)2   MO + 2NO2 + ½O2
2MNO3 —2MNO2 +O2 (except Li)
(M = Be, Mg , Cr, Sr, Ba)
4LiNO3 — 2Li2O + 4NO2 + O2
Nitrates 
2NaNO3  2NaNO2 + O2
500ºC

2NaNO3  Na2O + N2 + O2
800ºC
Na
2NaNO3   Na2O + N2 + O2
Li3N + 3H2O — 3LiOH + NH3  Be3N2 + 6H2O  3Be(OH)2 + 2NH3 
14. Nitride
Mg3N2 + 6H2O  3Mg(OH)2 + 2NH3 
When Li is heated with carbon, an ionic carbide Li2C2 The binary compounds of carbon with other elements
15. Carbide is formed. (less electronegative or of similar electronegativity)
2Li + 2C — Li2C2 are called carbides. They are classified into following
Other metals do not react with carbon directly but form 3 categories :
carbides when heated with ethyne, or when ethyne is (i) Ionic (ii) Covalent (iii) Interstitial (or metallic)
passed through a solution of metal in liquid ammonia. (i) Ionic carbides (or salt like carbides) : Generally
Na + C2H2 — NaH + C2 — Na2C2 formed by the most electropositive elements such as
[CC–H]– [CC]2– alkali and alkaline earth metals and aluminium
Na2C2 + 2H2O —NaOH + C2H2 (Boron is exception). Based on the product obtained
on hydrolysis, they are further sub-classified into
three types.
(a) Methanides : These give CH4 on reaction with
H2O.
Al4C3 + 12H2O —4Al(OH)3 + 3CH4 ;
Be2C + 4H2O —2Be(OH)2 + CH4
These carbides contain C4– ions in their constitution.
(b) Acetylides : These give C2H2 on reaction with
H2O.
CaC2 + 2H2O —Ca(OH) 2 + C2H2
Al2 (C2)3 + 6H2O —2Al(OH)3 + 3C2H2
SrC2 + 2H2O —Sr (OH) 2 + C2H2
Such compounds contain C22– ions.
(c) Allylides : These give 1-propyne on reaction
with H2O.
Mg2C3 + 4H2O —2Mg(OH)2 + CH3–CCH
..
Such compounds contain C34– [: C – C  C :]4  ions.
..

(ii) Covalent carbides : Molecules like SiC and B4C are

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

Lattice Energy: Energy change when one mole of crystalline lattice is formed from gaseous ions
eg. 2Al3+ + 3O2– —Al2O3 + L.E.

Hydration Energy: It is the energy change when gaseous ions form aqueous ions.
eg. Na+ + aq. —Na+ + H.E. of Na+
SO42- + aq. —SO42- + H.E. of SO42–
Solutions in liquid NH3
Alkali metals dissolve in liquid ammonia (high conc. 3 M) and give blue solution which is conducting,
reducing and paramagnetic in nature.
Reason
On dissolving Metal in NH3
M(s) + NH3()  M+(NH3) + e–(NH3)
M+ + x (NH3)  [M(NH3)x]+  Ammoniated cation
e– + y (NH3)  [e(NH3)y]–  Ammoniated electron
The blue colour is due to  Ammoniated electron
The paramagnetic nature is due to  Ammoniated electron
The conducting nature is due to  Ammoniated M+ + Ammoniated electron
On standing the colour fades due to formation of amide after liberating hydrogen.
M+ + e– + NH3  MNH2(amide) + H2(g)
In the absence of impurities like. Fe, Pt, Zn etc, the solutions are stable.
In concentrated solution, the blue colour changes to bronze colour and diamagnetic due to the
formation of metal clusters and ammoniated electrons also associate to form electron pairs
2e– (NH3)y  [ e–(NH3)y]2
Solutions are of much lower density than the pure solvent, i.e., they occupy for greater volume than that
expected from the sum of the volumes of metal and solvent
Peroxide and superoxides of Na & K are widely used as oxidising agent and air purifiers in space
capsules, submarines and breathing mask.

Alkaline metal in liq. NH3

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

Uses of alkali metal

(1) Lithium metal is used to make useful alloys,
 with lead to make ‘white metal’ bearings for motor engines.
 with aluminium to make aircraft parts.
 with magnesium to make armour plates.
(2) It is used in thermonuclear reactions.
(3) Lithium is also used to make electrochemical cells.
(4) Sodium is used to make a Na/Pb alloy needed to make PbEt4 and PbMe4. These organolead
compounds were earlier used as anti-knock additives to petrol, but nowadays vehicles use
lead-free petrol.
(5) Liquid sodium metal is used as a coolant in fast breeder nuclear reactors.
(6) Potassium chloride is used as a fertilizer.
s-Block Elements
(7) Potassium hydroxide is used in the manufacture of soft soap. It is also used as an excellent
absorbent of carbon dioxide.
(8) Caesium is used in devising photoelectric cells.

Uses of alkaline metal

(1) Beryllium is used in the manufacture of alloys.
(2) Copper-beryllium alloys are used in the preparation of high strength springs.
(3) Metallic beryllium is used for making windows of X-ray tubes.
(4) Magnesium forms alloys with aluminium, zinc, manganese and tin. Magnesium-aluminium alloys
being light in mass are used in air-craft construction.
(5) Magnesium (powder and ribbon) is used in flash powders and bulbs, incendiary bombs and signals.
(6) A suspension of magnesium hydroxide in water (called milk of magnesia) is used as antacid in
medicine.
(7) Magnesium carbonate is an ingredient of toothpaste.
(8) Calcium is used in the extraction of metals from oxides which are difficult to reduce with carbon.
(9) Calcium and barium metals, owing to their reactivity with oxygen and nitrogen at elevated
temperatures, have often been used to remove air from vacuum tubes.
(10) Radium salts are used in radiotherapy, for example, in the treatment of cancer.
Biological Importance Of Sodium And Potassium:
 Sodium ions are found primarily on the outside of cells, being located in blood plasma and in the
interstitial fluid which surrounds the cells. These ions participiate in the transmission of nerve
signals, in regulating the flow of water across cell membranes and in the tranasport of sugars
and amino acids into cells. Sodium and potassium, although so similar chemically, differ
quantitatively in their ability to penetrate cell membranes, in their transport mechanisms and in
their efficiency to activate enzymes. Thus, potassium ions are the most aundant cations within
cell fluids, where they activate many enzymes, participate in the oxidation of glucose to produce
ATP and, with sodium, are responsible for the transmission of nerve signals
A typical 70 kg man contains about 90 g of Na and 170 g of K compared with only 5 g of iron and
0.06 g of copper.
Biological Importance of Magnesium and Calcium :
 Monovalent sodium and potassium ions and divalent magnesium and calcium ions are found in
large proportions in biological fluids. These ions perform important biological functions such
as maintenance of ion balance and nerve impulse conduction.
 All enzymes that utilise ATP in phosphate transfer require magnesium as the cofactor. The main
pigment for the absorption of light in plants is chlorophyll which contains magnesium. About 99
% of body calcium is present in bones and teeth. It also plays important roles in neuromuscular
function, interneuronal transmission, cell membrane integrity and blood coagulation.
 The calcium concentration in plasma is regulated at about 100 mgL–1. It is maintained by two
hormones : calcitonin and parathyroid hormone. Do you know that bone is not an inert and
unchanging substance but is continuously being solubilised and redeposited to the extent of 400
mg per day in man? All this calcium passes through the plasma.
An adult body contains about 25 g of Mg and 1200 g of Ca compared with only 5 g of iron and 0.06 g
of copper. The daily requirement in the human body has been estimated to be 200–300 mg.
ANOMALOUS PROPERTIES OF LITHIUM
The anomalous behavior of lithium is due to the :
(i) Exceptionally small size of its atom and ion,
(ii) High polarising power (i.e., charge/ radius ratio).
As a result, there is increased covalent character of lithium compound which is responsible for their
solubility in organic solvent. Further, lithium shows diagonal relationship to magnesium.
S.No. Property Li
1. Hardness Li is much harder.
2. M.P and B.P Higher M.P and B.P
3. Reactivity Less reactive
4. Reducing agent Strong
5. Combustion in air Li form monoxide (Li2O) and nitride (Li3N) ; not for other.
s-Block Elements
Favored for Li; not for other.
6. Hydration of ion Li has maximum degree of hydration for this reason. Lithium salts are mostly
hydrated. E.g LiCl.2H2O.
Hydrogen Li is not obtained in the solid form while all other elements form solid hydrogen
7.
Carbonate carbonates.
8. Ethynide Favored for Li ; not for other.
4LiNO

3  2Li2O + 4NO2 + O2
Lithium Oxide
9. Lithium nitrate
Where as other alkali metal nitrates decompose to give the corresponding nitrite.

2NaNO3  2NaNO2 + O2
Sodium nitrite
These are much less soluble in water. Solubility in water is less than the
10. LiF and Li2O
corresponding compounds of other alkali metal.
11. Carbide Li reacts directly with carbon to form anionic carbide.
Lithium hydroxide is less basic Li 2CO3, LiNO3 and LiOH all form the oxides on gentle
12. Hydroxide
heating.
13. Carbonate Less stable.
14. Nitrite Less stable.
Lithium forms a bicarbonates in solution it does not form a solid bicarbonate.
15. Bicarbonate
Where as the other all forms stable solid bicarbonates.
Complex ion Lithium has a great tendency to form. Complexes not for other. Due to small size of
16.
formation Lithium.
17. Reaction with NH3 Li when heated in NH3 imide (Li2NH) while other alkali metals form amides (MNH2)

Points of Similarities between Lithium and Magnesium

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

Anamolous Behaviour of Beryllium

The properties of beryllium the first member of the alkaline earth metal, differ from the rest of the
member. Its is mainly because of
(i) Its small size and high polarizing power.
(ii) Relatively high electro negativity and ionization energy as compared to other members.
(iii) Absence of vacant d–orbitals in its valence shell.
Some important points of difference between beryllium and other members (especially magnesium) are
given below.
s-Block Elements
S.No. Properties
1. Hardness Be is harder than other members of its group
2. Density Be is lighter than Mg
3. M.P. and B.P. Higher then other members of its group.
4. Reaction with water Be does not react with water while Mg reacts with boiling water.
5. Nature of oxides BeO is amphoteric while MgO is weakly basic.
6. Nature of compounds Be forms covalent compounds whereas other members form ionic compounds.
Beryllium carbide reacts with water to give methane whereas carbides of other
alkaline earth metals gives acetylene gas.
7. Carbide Be2C + 4H2O → 2Be (OH)2 + CH4
MgC2 + 2H2O → Mg (OH)2 + C2H2
CaC2 + 2H2O → Ca (OH)2 + C2H2
The beryllium hydride is electron deficient and polymeric, with muti center
8. Hydride
bonding like aluminium hydride.
Beryllium does not exhibit coordination number more than four as it has four
9. Co-ordination number orbitals in the valence shell. The other members of this group has coordination
number 6.
Be dissolves in alkalies with evolution of hydrogen
Be + 2NaOH +2H2O→ Na2BeO2.2H2O + H2
10. Reaction with Alkali
(sodium beryllate
Other alkaline earth metals don't react with alkalies.
Resemblance of Beryllium with Aluminium (Diagonal relationship)
The following points illustrate the anomalous behaviour of Be and its resemblance with Al.
S.No. Properties Be and Al
1. Nature of compounds Unlike groups-2 elements but like aluminium, beryllium forms covalent compounds.
2. Nature of hydroxide The hydroxides of Be, [Be(OH)2] and aluminium [Al(OH)3] are amphoteric in
nature, whereas those of other elements of group – 2 are basic in nature.
3. Nature of oxide The oxides of both Be and Al i.e. BeO and Al2O3 are high melting insoluble solids.
4. Polymeric structure BeCl2 and AlCl3 have bridged chloride polymeric structure.

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

6. Carbides Carbides of both the metal reacts with water liberating methane gas.
Be2C + 4H2O → 2Be (OH)2 + CH4
Al4C3 + 12H2O → 4Al(OH)3 + 3CH4
7. Oxides and The oxides and hydroxides of both Be and Al are amphoteric and dissolve in
hydroxides sodium hydroxide as well as in hydrochloric acid.
BeO + 2HCl → BeCl2 + H2O
BeO + 2NaOH → Na2BeO2 + H2O
Al2O3 + 6HCl → 2AlCl3 + H2O
Al2O3 + 2NaOH → 2NaAlO2 + H2O
8. Reaction with acids Like Al, Be is not readily attacked by acids because of the presence of an oxide
film.
s-Block Elements
Section (E) : Oxides, Peroxides, Super Oxides, Hydroxides
GROUP -I & II OXIDES
1. Sodium Oxide (Na2O)
Preparation:
Name of compound Name and Brief about the process Related chemical reaction
(1) By burning sodium at 180°C in a limited supply of air or 1
2Na + O2 180º
  Na2O
oxygen and distilling off the excess of sodium in vacuum. 2
Na2O2 + 2Na —2Na2O
Sodium Oxide (2) By heating sodium peroxide, nitrate or nitrite with
(Na2O) sodium. 2NaNO3 + 10Na —6Na2O + N2
2NaNO2 + 6Na —4Na2O + N2
(3) Sodium oxide is formed when the mixture of sodium 3NaN3 + NaNO2  2Na2O + 5N2
azide and sodium nitrite is heated.

Chemical Properties:
(1) It is white amorphous substance.
(2) It dissolve violently in water, yielding caustic soda (NaOH) and evolving a large amount of heat.
Na2O + H2O  2NaOH
Uses : It is used as dehydrating and polymerising agent in organic chemistry.
2. Sodium Peroxide (Na2O2)
Preparation
Name of compound Name and Brief about the process Related chemical reaction
(1) By heating the metal in excess of air or 2Na + O2 (excess) 
300ºC
 Na2O2
oxygen at 300°, which is free from
Sodium Peroxides moisture and CO2.
(Na2O2) (2) Industrial method : 2Na + O2 — Na2O
It is a two stage reaction in the presence
Na2O + O2 — Na2O2
of excess air.
Properties:
(1) It is a pale yellow solid (when impure), becoming white in air from the formation of a film of NaOH and
Na2CO3.
(2) In cold water (~0°C) produces H2O2 but at room temperature produces O2. In ice-cold mineral acids
also produces H2O2.
Na2O2 + 2H2O ~0ºC
 2NaOH + H2O2
2Na2O2 + 2H2O 
25ºC
 4NaOH + O2
Na2O2 + H2SO4 
~0ºC
 Na2SO4 + H2O2
2Na2O2 + H2SO4  25ºC
 2Na2SO4 + 2H2O + O2
(3) It reacts with CO2, giving sodium carbonate and oxygen and hence its use for purifying air in a confined
space e.g. submarine, ill-ventilated room.
2Na2O2 + 2CO2 — 2Na2CO3 + O2
Na2O2 + CO — Na2CO3
(4) It is an oxidising agent and oxidises charcoal, CO, NH 3, SO2.
3Na2O2 + 2C — 2Na2CO3 + 2Na [deposition of metallic Na]
CO + Na2O2 — Na2CO3
SO2 + Na2O2 — Na2SO4
2NH3 + 3Na2O2 — 6NaOH + N2
(5) Sulphides are oxidised to corresponding sulphates
Na2O2 — Na2O + [O] ; Na2S + 4[O] —Na2SO4
(6) Na2O2 — Na2O + [O]; 2Al + 3[O] —Al2O3; Al2O3 + Na2O — 2NaAlO2.
Uses :
(1) For preparing H2O2, O2.
(2) Oxygenating the air in submarines.
(3) Oxidising agent in the laboratory.
Oxides of Potassium K2O K2O2 K2O3* KO2 KO3
Colours White White Red Bright Yellow Orange Red Solid
s-Block Elements
3. Potassium sesquioxide (need not memorize).
Preparation:
Name of compound Name and Brief about the process Related chemical reaction
2KNO3 + 10K h  6K2O + N2
eatin g

K2O
(Potassium oxide)
By heating
potassium.
potassium nitrate with
K2O  K2O
h eatin g

(White) (Yellow)
K2O + H2O — 2KOH

Name of compound Name and Brief about the process Related chemical reaction
K2O2 By burning potassium at 300°C in a 2K + O2   K2O2
Co n tro l l e d
(Potassium peroxide) limited supply of air or oxygen. a i ra t 3 0 0ºC

Name of compound Name and Brief about the Related chemical reaction
process
Pas O2
(i) Passage of O2 through a blue K in liq. NH3  K2O2 — K2O3 — KO2
solution of K in liquid NH3 yields white red yellow
0C
oxides K2O2 (white), K2O3 (red) 2KO2 + 2H2O ~  2KOH + H2O2 + O2
KO2 and KO2 (deep yellow) i.e KO2
(Potassium superoxide) reacts with H2O and produces
H2O2 and O2 both.
(ii) It is prepared by burning K + O2 —KO2
potassium in excess of oxygen
free from moisture.

Name of compound Name and Brief about the process Related chemical reaction
It is obtained when oxygen is
K2O3 3O2
passed through liquid ammonia 4K (dissolved in liquid NH3)   2K2O3
(Potassium sesquioxide)
containing potassium.

Name and Brief

Name of compound Related chemical reaction
About the process
10 to15C
KO3
From KOH KOH + O3 (ozonised oxygen)  KO3
(Potassium ozonide) (Dry powdered) (orange solid)

Properties of Potassium superoxide (KO2)

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

4. Magnesium Oxide (MgO):

Name of compound Name and Brief about the process Related chemical reaction
It is also called magnesia and obtained by
Magnesium Oxide (MgO) MgCO3 —MgO + CO2
heating natural magnesite.

Properties :
(1) It is white powder.
(2) It's m.p. is 2850°C. Hence used in manufacture of refractory bricks for furances. And it is acts as basic
flux and facilitates the removal of acidic impurities of Si, P and S from steel through slag formation.
(3) It is very slightly soluble in water imparting alkaline reaction.
s-Block Elements
5. Calcium Oxide (CaO):
Preparation
Name of compound Name and Brief about the process Related chemical reaction
It is commonly called as quick lime or lime
Calcium Oxide
and made by decomposing lime stone at a CaCO3 CaO + CO2
(CaO)
high temperature about 1000°C.
* The Carbon dioxide is removed as soon as it is produced to enable the reaction to proceed to completion.

Chemical Properties :
(1) It is white amorphous powder of m.p. 2570°C. On exposure to atmosphere; it absorbs moisture and
carbondioxide.
CaO + H2O — Ca(OH) 2 ; CaO + CO2 — CaCO3
acidic oxide
(2) It emits intense light (lime light), when heated in oxygen-hydrogen flame.
(3) It combines with limited amount of water to produce slaked lime. This process is called slaking of lime.
Quick lime slaked with soda gives solid sodalime (CaO). Being a basic oxide.
CaO + H2O — Ca(OH) 2
(4) Soda lime (basic oxide) combines with some acidic oxides at high temperature.
CaO + SiO2 — CaSiO3
6CaO + P4O10 — 2Ca3(PO4)2
Uses :
(i) It is an important primary material for manufacturing cement and is the cheapest form of alkali.
(ii) It is used in the manufacture of sodium carbonate from caustic soda.
(iii) It is employed in the purification of sugar and in the manufacture of dye stuffs.
Magnesium Peroxide (MgO2) and Calcium Peroxide (CaO2)
These are obtained by passing H2O2 in a suspension of Mg(OH) 2 and Ca(OH) 2.
Uses : MgO2 is used as an antiseptic in tooth paste and as a bleaching agent.
HYDROXIDES
1. Sodium Hydroxides(Caustic Soda) NaOH (White) :
Preparation :
Name of Name and Brief about the
Related chemical reaction
compound process
Cathode:Na++ e– 
Hg
 Na-amalgam
1
Anode : Cl–  Cl2 + e–
2
2Na-amalgam + 2H2O 2NaOH + 2Hg + H2
(1) Electrolysis of Brine :
Sodium hydroxide is prepared by
the electrolysis of sodium
chloride in Castner-Kellner cell. A
brine solution is electrolysed
using a mercury cathode and a
carbon anode. Sodium metal
Sodium discharged at the cathode
Hydroxides combines with mercury to form
(NaOH) sodium amalgam. Chlorine gas is
evolved at the anode.
The amalgam is treated with
water to give sodium hydroxide
and hydrogen gas.

Anode Cathode

(2) By Diaphragm cell

Na2CO3 + Ca(OH)2  2NaOH + CaCO3

(3) Caustication of Na2CO3
(suspension)
(Gossage's method)
Since the Ksp(CaCO3) < Ksp(Ca(OH)2), the reaction shifts towards right.
s-Block Elements
Properties:
(1) Sodium hydroxide is a white, translucent solid. It melts at 591 K. It is readily soluble in water to give a
strong alkaline solution. Crystals of sodium hydroxide are deliquescent. The sodium hydroxide solution
at the surface reacts with the CO2 in the atmosphere to form Na2CO3.
(2) It is white crystalline, deliquescent, highly corrosive solid.
(3) It is stable towards heat.
(4) It's aqueous solution alkaline in nature and soapy in touch.
(5) NH4Cl + NaOH  NaCl + NH3  + H2O
FeCl3 + 3NaOH  Fe(OH)3  + 3NaCl
Brown ppt
ZnCl2 + 2NaOH  Zn(OH)2 + 2NaCl
Zn(OH)2 + 2NaOH Na2ZnO2 + 2H2O [Same with AlCl3, SnCl2, PbCl2]
soluble
(6) Acidic and amphoteric oxides gets dissolved easily e.g.
CO2 + 2NaOH  Na2CO3 + H2O
Al2O3 + 2NaOH  2NaAlO2 + H2O
(7) Aluminium and Zn metal gives H2 from NaOH.
2Al + 2NaOH + 2H2O  3H2 + 2NaAlO2
(8) Several non metals such as P, S, Cl etc. yield a hydride instead of hydrogen.e.g.
4P + 3NaOH + 3H2O  PH3 + 3NaH2PO2 (Disproportionation reaction)
(9) NaOH is stable towards heat but reduced to metal when heated with carbon.
2NaOH + C  2Na + 2 CO + H2
+2
Na2MO2
+3
(10). NaOH + Metal Oxide (M) Na3MO3
+4
Na2MO3
Above are general reactions of NaOH with metal oxides having metal's Oxidation number +2, +3 & +4
respectively.
Uses : It is used in
(i) The manufacture of soap, paper, artificial silk and a number of chemicals.
(ii) In petroleum refining.
(iii) In the purification of bauxite.
(iv) In the textile industries for mercerising cotton fabrics.
(v) For the preparation of pure fats and oils .
(vi) As a laboratory reagent.
2. Potassium Hydroxide (KOH):
Preparation:
(1) It is prepared by electrolysis of KCl solution.
(2) KOH resembles NaOH in all its reactions. However KOH is much more soluble in alcohol. This
accounts for the use of alcoholic KOH in organic chemistry.
(3) 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
(4) It is used for the absorption of gases like CO2, SO2, etc. It is used for making soft soaps.
Properties: Same as NaOH
(1) It is stronger base compared to NaOH.
(2) Solubility in water is more compared to NaOH.
(3) In alcohol, NaOH is sparingly soluble but KOH is highly soluble.
(4) As a reagent KOH is less frequently used but in absorption of CO 2, KOH is preferably used compared
to NaOH. Because KHCO3 formed is soluble whereas NaHCO3 is insoluble and may therefore choke
the tubes of apparatus used.
 s-Block Elements

+Na2SO4

Na2PbO2

Na2PbO3
s-Block Elements
3. Magnesium Hydroxide (Mg(OH)2):
It occurs in nature as the mineral brucite.
Preparation:
Name and Brief about the
Name of compound Related chemical reaction
process
It can be prepared by adding MgSO4 + 2NaOH  Mg(OH)2 + Na2SO4
Magnesium
caustic soda solution to a MgCl2 + 2NaOH  Mg(OH)2 + 2NaCl
Hydroxide
(Mg(OH)2)
solution of Magnesium sulphate MgCl2 + Ca(OH)2  Mg(OH)2 + CaCl2
or chloride solution. MgO + H2O  Mg(OH)2

Chemical Properties:
(1) It can be dried at temperature upto 100°C only otherwise it breaks into its oxide at higher temperature.
Mg(OH)2  MgO + H2O
(2) It is slightly soluble in water imparting alkalinity.
(3) It dissolves in NH4Cl solution.
Mg(OH)2 + 2NH4Cl MgCl2 + 2NH3.H2O
Thus, Mg(OH)2 is not therefore precipitated from a solution of Mg2+ ions by NH3.H2O. in presence of
excess of NH4Cl.
Uses : A suspension of Mg(OH)2 in water is used in medicine as an antacid (An antacid is substance which
neutralizes stomach acidity) under the name, milk of magnesia.
4. Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) (White Powder):
Preparation :
Name of compound Name and Brief about the process Related chemical reaction
Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) By spraying water on quicklime. CaO + H2O  Ca(OH)2

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

Section (F) : Carbonates, Bicarbonates

CARBONATES
1. Sodium Carbonate (Washing soda) Na2CO3.10H2O (White Solid) :
s-Block Elements
Preparation:
1.
Name of
Name and Brief about the process Related chemical reaction
compound
NaCl + H2SO4(conc.)   NaHSO4 + HCl
m i l dheati ng

NaCl + NaHSO4    Na2SO4 + HCl

S t ro n g l y
h e a te d
(1) Leblanc Process
(Salt Cake)
Na2SO4 + 4C  Na2S + 4CO 
Na2S + CaCO3 Na2CO3 + CaS
(2) Solvay Process
Step-1 (In ammonia absorber) 2NH3 + CO2 + H2O  (NH4)2CO3
(i)Saturation of brine with ammonia and CO2 CaCl2 + (NH4)2CO3  CaCO3 + 2NH4Cl
(ii) Ammoniated brine is filtered to remove MgCl2 + (NH4)2CO3  MgCO3 + 2NH4Cl
calcium and magnesium impurities as their
Sodium insoluble carbonates.
Carbonate Step-2 (In carbonation tower) :
(Washing soda) (i) Formation of insoluble NaHCO3
Na2CO3.10H2O (ii) Reaction is exothermic and hence there is a
cooling arrangement. NH3 + CO2 + H2O  NH4HCO3 ;
(iii) NaHCO3 is insoluble in
cold brine solution because NH4HCO3 + NaCl  NaHCO3 + NH4Cl
30ºC

of the common ion effect. It is separated by

filtration and the filtered is used for recovering
NH3 & CO2.
Step-3 (Calcination to get sodium carbonate) : 2 NaHCO3  Na2CO3 + CO2 + H2O
150ºC

 / Steam
Step - 4 (In recovery tower) : NH4 HCO3  NH2 + CO2 + H2O
Recovery of ammonia and carbondioxide.  / Steam
2NH4 Cl +Ca(OH)2   2NH3+ 2H2O+CaCl2
CaCl2 is obtained as by product.
* advantage is taken of low solubility of NaHCO3, it gets precipitated in the reaction of NaCl + NH4HCO3.
2. Naturally from trona
heat
2(Na2CO3.NaHCO3.2H2O) 
 3Na2CO3 + CO2 + 5H2O

Properties
(1) Anhydrous Na2CO3 is called as soda ash, which does not decompose on heating but melts at 852°C.
(2) Sodium carbonate is a white crystalline solid which exists as a decahydrate, Na 2CO3·10H2O. This is
also called washing soda. It is readily soluble in water. On heating, the decahydrate loses its water of
crystallisation to form monohydrate. Above 373K, the monohydrate becomes completely anhydrous and
changes to a white powder called soda ash.
Na2CO3·10H2O   Na2CO3·H2O + 9H2O
375K

373K
Na2CO3·H2O   Na2CO3 + H2O
(soda ash)
Carbonate part of sodium carbonate gets hydrolysed by water to form an alkaline solution.
Na2CO3 + H2O  H2CO3 (weak acid) + NaOH (strong)
(3) Na2CO3 absorbs CO2 yielding sparingly soluble sodium bicarbonate which can be calcined at 250° to
get pure sodium carbonate.
Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2 2NaHCO3 (solid)
(4) It dissolved in acid with effervescence of CO2 and causticised by lime to give caustic soda.
Na2CO3 + HCl  2NaCl + H2O + CO2
Na2CO3 + Ca(OH)2  2NaOH + CaCO3
Uses :
(i) It is used in water softening, laundering and cleaning.
(ii) It is used in the manufacture of glass, soap, borax and caustic soda.
(iii) It is used in paper, paints and textile industries.
(iv) It is an important laboratory reagent both in qualitative and quantitative analysis.
s-Block Elements
2. Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3)
Name of compound Name and Brief about the process Related chemical reaction

KCl + H2SO4 (conc.)   KHSO4 + HCl

m i l dheati ng
By leblance process, it can be
Potassium KCl + KHSO4    K2SO4 + HCl
S t ro n g l y
prepared but by solvay process it
Carbonate h e a te d
cannot be prepared because KHCO3
(K2CO3)
is soluble in water. K2SO4 + 4C  K2S + 4CO 
K2S + CaCO3 K2CO3 + CaS

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

Note : Calcium carbonate and Magnesium carbonate found in nature.

Calcium bicarbonate and Magnesium bicarbonate are present in temporary hardness of water.
Unstable and unimportant. Same for KHCO3.

Section (G) : Chlorides, Sulphates

CHLORIDES
Sodium Chloride (NaCl) and Potassium Chloride, Calcium Chloride
Preparation:
NaCl : Found in nature as rock salt or in sea water.
KCl : Found in nature as sylvine (KCl) or carnallite (2KCl.MgCl2.6H2O)
CaCl2 : Obtained as byproduct in Solvay’s process.
Properties of NaCl :
(1) It is nonhygroscopic but the presence of MgCl2 in common salt renders it hygroscopic.
(2) It is used to prepare freezing mixture in laboratory [Ice-common salt mixture is called freezing mixture
and temperature goes down to –23°C.]
(3) For melting ice and snow on road.
Uses of NaCl:
(i) It is used as a common salt or table salt for domestic purpose.
(ii) It is used for the preparation of Na2O2, NaOH and Na2CO3.
Magnesium Chloride (MgCl2)
It occurs in nature as mineral carnallite, KCl.MgCl2.6H2O.
Preparation : By Dow’s Processes (Natural Brine process and Dolomite process). See Metallurgy,
stdXII.
Properties:
(1) It crystallises as hexahydrate. MgCl2. 6H2O
(2) It is deliquescent solid.
(3) This hydrate undergoes hydrolysis as follows:
MgCl2·6H2O  Mg(OH)Cl + HCl + 5H2O
Mg(OH)Cl  MgO + HCl
Hence, Anh. MgCl2 cannot be prepared by heating this hydrate. Because of this formation of HCl. Sea
water cannot be used in marine boilers which corrodes the iron body.
(4) Anhydrous MgCl2 can be prepared by heating a double salt like. MgCl2.NH4Cl.6H2O as follows:
–H O
MgCl2 . NH4Cl . 6H2O  2 MgCl2. NH4Cl   MgCl2 + NH3 + HCl
s t ro n g
 

(5) It is a colourless crystalline solid, highly deliquescent and highly soluble in water.
(6) Sorel Cement is a mixture of MgO and MgCl2 (paste like) which set to hard mass on standing. This is
used in dental filling, flooring etc.
(7) Anh. CaCl2 is used in drying gases and organic compounds but not NH 3 or alcohol due to the formation
of CaCl2.8NH3 and CaCl2.4C2H5OH.
s-Block Elements

SULPHATES
1. Potassium Sulphate (K2SO4)
It occurs in stassfurt potash beds as schonite K2SO4.MgSO4.6H2O and Kainite, KCl.MgSO4.3H2O from
which it is obtained by solution in water and crystallisation. It separates from the solution as anh,
crystals whereas Na2SO4 comes as decahydrate.
Preparation:
(1) It is prepared by the reaction of potassium chloride or hydroxide with concentrated. H 2SO4.
2KCl + H2SO4  K2SO4 + 2HCl ; 2KOH + H2SO4  K2SO4 + 2H2O
(2) K2SO4.MgSO4.6H2O + 2KCl  2K2SO4 + MgCl2+ 6H2O
Uses : It is used to prepare alum.
It is a white crystalline solid and soluble in water.
It is used as a fertilizer for tobacco and wheat.


KCl + H2 SO4

Reactions Charts
2. Magnesium Sulphate (MgSO4):
It occurs in nature as minerals kiesserite (MgSO4.H2O), epsom salt (MgSO4.7H2O) and kainite
(KCl.MgSO4.3H2O).
Preparation:
(1) It is obtained by dissolving kieserite. MgSO4.H2O in boiling water and then crystallising the solution as a
hepta hydrate. i.e. MgSO4.7H2O. It is called as Epsom salt.
(2) It is also obtained by dissolving magnesite in hot dil. H 2SO4.
MgCO3 + H2SO4  MgSO4 + H2O + CO2
(3) By dissolving dolomite (CaCO3.MgCO3) in hot dil. H2SO4 and removing the insoluble CaSO4 by
filtration.
CaCO3.MgCO3 (dolomite) + 2H2SO4  MgSO4 + CaSO4 + 2CO2 + 2H2O
(4) It is isomorphous with FeSO4.7H2O, ZnSO4.7H2O.
s-Block Elements
Chemical Properties:
Heating effect:
(1) When heated to 150°C, it changes to monohydrate. On further heating, it becomes anhydrous at
200°C. On strong heating, it decomposes into MgO.
strong
MgSO4.7H2O
150C
 MgSO4.H2O
200C
 MgSO4  MgO + SO2 + O2.
heating
(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.
3. Calcium Sulphate (Plaster of paris) CaSO4.½ H2O
It occurs as anhydrite CaSO4, hemihydrate CaSO4.½H2O and as the dihydrate (CaSO4.2H2O) gypsum,
alabaster or satin-spar.
Preparation:
(1) It is a hemihydrate of calcium sulphate. It is obtained when gypsum, CaSO 4·2H2O, is heated to 393 K.
2(CaSO4.2H2O)   2(CaSO4).H2O + 3H2O
393 K

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

Dead plaster has no setting property as it takes up water only very slowly.
A suspension of gypsum when saturated with ammonia and carbon dioxide forms ammonium sulphate,
a nitrogenous fertilizer.
2NH3 + CaSO4 + CO2 + H2O  (NH4)2 SO4 + CaCO3
When strongly heated with carbon, it forms calcium sulphide.
CaSO4 + 4C CaS + 4CO
Uses: For preparing blackboard chalk.
In anhydrous form as drying agent.
s-Block Elements
Fertilizer
1. Cynamide: It is an organic compound with the formula CN2H2. This white solid is widely used in
agriculture and the production of pharmaceuticals and other organic compounds.
Cyanamide is produced by hydrolysis of calcium cyanamide, which in turn is prepared from calcium
carbide via the frank-Caro process.
CaC2 + N2  CaCN2 + C ; frank-Caro process
CaCN2 + H2O + CO2  CaCO3 + H2NCN (Cynamide)
The main reaction exhibited by cyanamide involves additions of compounds containing an acidic
proton. Water, hydrogen sulfide, and hydrogen selenide react with cyanmide to give urea, thiourea, and
selenourea, respectively :
H2NCN + H2E H2NC (E) NH2 ; (E= O, S, Se)
2. Fluorapatite: It is a phosphate mineral with the formula Ca5 (PO4)3.
Cement
Cement is a product obtained by combining a material rich in lime, CaO with other material such as clay
which contains silica, SiO2 along with the oxides of aluminium, iron and magnesium.
The raw materials for the manufacture of cement are limestone and clay. When clay and lime are
strongly heated together they fuse and react to form cement clinker. This clinker is mixed with 2-3% by
weight of gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O) to form cement. Thus important ingredients present in Portland
cement are dicalcium silicate (Ca2SiO4) 26%, tricalcium silicate (Ca3SiO=5) 51% and tricalcium
aluminate (Ca3Al2O6) 11%.
Setting of cement : When mixed with water, the setting of cement takes place to give a hard mass.
This is due to the hydration of the molecules of the constituents and their rearrangement. The purpose
of adding gypsum is only to slow down the process of setting of the cement so that it gets sufficiently
hardened.
Uses : Cement has become a commodity of national necessity for any country next to iron and steel. It
is used in concrete and reinforced concrete, in plastering and in the construction of bridges, dams and
buildings.

Common Names
The names marked with asterisk (*) should be memorized with formulae. Others are given only for
reference. You need not memorize them.
Metal Ore name Formula
Lithium (Li) Spodumene LiAl(SiO3)2
Lepidolite KLi2Al(Al,Si)3O10(F,OH)2
Petalite LiAl(Si2O5)2
Sodium (Na) *Washing soda Na2CO3.10H2O
*Baking soda NaHCO3
*Sodium carbonate
Na2CO3
(soda ash/ washing soda)
*Sodium chloride
NaCl
(rock salt or halite)
*Sodium nitrate (Chile saltpeter) NaNO3
Salt cake Na2SO4
Fusion mixture Na2CO3 + K2CO3 (eq. molar mix.)
Sodium sesquicarbonate (trona) Na2CO3.NaHCO3.2H2O ( it is a double salt )
Na(NH4)HPO4.4H2O (it is obtained by mixing
*Microcosmic salt solutions of sodium phosphate and ammonium
phosphate or chloride)
Soda feldspar or sodium feldspar
Na2O. Al2O3. 6SiO2
(albite)
Potash feldspars or orthoclase or
K2O. Al2O3.6SiO2
microcline or Potassium feldspars
*Hypo Na2S2O3.5H2O
*Sodium aluminium fluoride
Na3AlF6
(cryolite)
*Borax (Tincal) Na2B4O7.10H2O
s-Block Elements
Na2SO4.10H2O
(Sodium sulfate is the sodium salt of sulfuric
acid. When anhydrous, it is a white crystalline
*Sodium sulphate (glauber’s salt)
solid of formula Na2SO4 known as the mineral
thenardite; the decahydrate Na2SO4·10H2O is
known as Glauber's salt)
Sodium aluminium silicate
NaAlSi3O8
(Soda Feldspar)
Potassium (K) Sylvite KCl
Schonite K2SO4.MgSO4.6H2O
Kainite MgSO4.KCl.3H2O
*Carnallite MgCl2.KCl.6H2O
KNO3 (used especially as a fertilizer and
*Indian saltpetre (Nitre)
explosive)
Pearl ash K2CO3
Schonite K2SO4.MgSO4.6H2O( it is a double salt)
Langbeinite K2SO4.2MgSO4
Polyhalite K2SO4.MgSO4.2CaSO4.2H2O
*Potassium Alum K2SO4. Al2 (SO4)3. 24H2O
Alunite or Alumstone K2SO4. Al2 (SO4)3. 4Al(OH)3
Mica K2O. 3Al2O3. 6SiO2.2H2O
Feldspar KAlSi3O8(K2O.Al2O3.6SiO2)
Beryllium (Be) Beryl 3BeO. Al2O3 6SiO2
Chrysoberyl BeO.Al2O3
Phenacite BeSiO4
Bromalite BeO
*Baryta Ba(OH)2
Magnesium
*Magnesite MgCO3
(Mg)
*Dolomite MgCO3.CaCO3
*Epsom salt MgSO4.7H2O
Kieserite MgSO4.H2O
Asbestos CaMg3 (SiO3)4
Talc Mg(Si2O5)2 Mg (OH)2
Brucite Mg(OH)2
*Magnesia MgO
Artinite MgCO3.Mg(OH)2 .3H2O
*Sorel cement (magnesia cement) Mg4Cl2(OH)6(H2O)8
Calcium (Ca) *Quick lime CaO
*Slaked lime Ca(OH)2
*Hydrolith CaH2
*Calcium cynamide CaCN2 OR CaNCN
*Limestone (Marble / Whiting) CaCO3
Anhydrite CaSO4
*Gypsum CaSO4.2H2O
*Fluorspar or Fluorite CaF2
Phosphorite Ca3 (PO4)2
*Fluorapatite 3Ca3 (PO4)2.CaF2 OR Ca5(PO4)3F
*Plaster of paris CaSO2.½H2O
*Bleaching powder CaOCl2
*Rock phosphate Ca3 (PO4) 2
Wollastonite CaSiO2
Colmanite 2CaO.3Ba2O3.5H2O
Strontium(Sr) Strontianite SrCO3
Celestite SrSO4
Barytes or Heavy spar BaSO4
s-Block Elements
Periodic Properties of s-Block
Properties Order

Thermal stability LiH > NaH > KH > RbH > CsH

Basic strength BeO < MgO < CaO < SrO

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

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

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

Solubility in water BaCO3 < CaCO3 < MgCO3 < BeCO3

Thermal stability BeCO3 < MgCO3 < CaCO3 < BaCO3

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