Equimolar solutions of the following were prepared in water separately. Which one of the solutions will record the highest pH?
- MgCl2
- CaCl2
- SrCl2
- BaCl2
Answer
(4) BaCl2
Solution
These are salts of a strong acid (HCl) and group 2 hydroxides; the cation undergoes hydrolysis:
M2+ + 2H2O M(OH)2 + 2H+
Basic strength of the hydroxides increases down the group: Mg(OH)2 < Ca(OH)2 < Sr(OH)2 < Ba(OH)2
The weaker the base, the greater the hydrolysis of its cation and the lower the pH.
Mg2+ (small, high charge density) hydrolyses most; Ba2+ hydrolyses least.
BaCl2 solution has the highest pH (nearly neutral).
Answer: (4)