Equimolar solutions of the following substances were prepared separately. Which one of these will record the highest pH value ?
- BaCl2
- AlCl3
- LiCl
- BeCl2
Answer
(1) BaCl2
Solution
BaCl2 is a salt of strong acid HCl and strong base Ba(OH)2; the large Ba2+ ion does not hydrolyse solution is neutral (pH = 7).
AlCl3 and BeCl2: small, highly charged Al3+ / Be2+ ions undergo cationic hydrolysis, e.g. [Al(H2O)6]3+ [Al(OH)(H2O)5]2++H+ acidic (pH < 7).
LiCl: the very small Li+ ion is strongly hydrated and polarises water slightly, so the solution is very slightly acidic.
BaCl2 solution has the highest pH.
Answer: (1)