HCl was passed through a solution of CaCl2, MgCl2 and NaCl. Which of the following compound(s) crystallize(s)?
- Only NaCl
- Only MgCl2
- NaCl, MgCl2 and CaCl2
- Both MgCl2 and CaCl2
Answer
(1) Only NaCl
Solution
As per NCERT (Purification of common salt), pure sodium chloride is obtained by passing hydrogen chloride gas into the saturated solution.
HCl increases the concentration of Cl- ions, so the ionic product [Na+][Cl-] exceeds the solubility product of NaCl (common-ion effect) and NaCl crystallises out.
CaCl2 and MgCl2, being more soluble than NaCl, remain in solution.
Answer: (1)