Hydroxides are insoluble except which cations?

Study for the IGCSE Edexcel Chemistry Test. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Hydroxides are insoluble except which cations?

Explanation:
Hydroxides are generally insoluble, but hydroxides of alkali metals dissolve in water. Sodium hydroxide readily forms Na+ and OH− ions in solution because its ions are well hydrated and the lattice in solid NaOH breaks apart easily. The others form hydroxides with higher lattice energy and lower hydration efficiency, so calcium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide are only sparingly soluble and iron hydroxide is insoluble. Therefore, the soluble exception among these is the sodium hydroxide case.

Hydroxides are generally insoluble, but hydroxides of alkali metals dissolve in water. Sodium hydroxide readily forms Na+ and OH− ions in solution because its ions are well hydrated and the lattice in solid NaOH breaks apart easily. The others form hydroxides with higher lattice energy and lower hydration efficiency, so calcium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide are only sparingly soluble and iron hydroxide is insoluble. Therefore, the soluble exception among these is the sodium hydroxide case.

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