Mariano

MarianoMarcos
MarcosState
StateUniversity
University
College
CollegeofofHealth
HealthSciences
Sciences
Pharmacy
PharmacyDepartment
Department
City
CityofofBatac
Batac2906
2906Ilocos
IlocosNorte
Norte

PCHM 121: Pharmaceutical Inorganic Chemistry with Qualitative Analysis

1st Semester of A.Y. 2020-2021

Title
Chapter 6: Group Properties of Elements (Group IA, IB, IIA, IIB)
Introduction

Members of group 1 of the periodic table (first vertical column) with

exception of hydrogen are called alkali metals. Under the term alkali metals, the
following elements are included: lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium
(Rb), cesium (Cs) and francium (Fr).
Members of group 2 of the periodic table (second vertical column) are called
alkaline earth metals. In this group are included the following elements: beryllium
(Be), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba) and radium (Ra).

Presentation of Outcomes

Having successfully completed this lesson the student must have:

1. Explained the different chemical properties of the different groups in the periodic
table; and
2. Determined the different properties of the elements in Groups IA, IB, IIA and IIB
that are pharmaceutically or pharmacologically used in medicine and industry.

Warm-up Activity
Spot that compound…
Look out of the window- you can see different compounds made of different
elements. Using your periodic table, write the elements which make up the compounds
you can spot. Write as many as you can.
Central Activities

Learning Input 1 (Lecture)

Group 1 (Alkali Metal Ions)

Chemical Properties:
• Atoms are comparatively large with only one valence electron.
• Most have silvery white appearance with the exception of cesium which is golden
yellow.

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• They are all soft metals and typically can be cut with a knife. The softness increases
within the group; cesium is the softest of the alkali metals.
• Very good reducing agents.
• Very active metals (Cs as the most active) thus, never found in nature in free state.
Therefore, all alkali metals except lithium have to be stores in mineral oil. Lithium as
an exception is normally stores under inert gas such as argon.
• Form hydroxides that are strongly basic except LiOH
• Combine with hydrogen to form hydrides; halogen forming halides.
• Upon reaction with oxygen:
o Li forms normal oxide (Li2O)
o Na forms peroxides (Na2O2)
o K, Rb, Cs form superoxides
• React vigorously with H2O forming hydrogen gas and metallic hydroxides (because
of this, they must be stored under kerosene coated with paraffin)
• All salts are water soluble
• General Rule:
• Salts of alkali metals are more soluble than salts of any periodic group. But
with exception to Li.

Elements in Group I
1. Hydrogen (H)- aka: inflammable air
• Lightest element
• Flammable
• Lightest gas
• Uses: rocket fuel, used to inflate balloon.
• 3 isotopes:
o Protium (1H)- most abundant
o Deuterium (2H) – heavy hydrogen; used in heavy water (D2O)
o Tritium (3H)- radioactive
• Preparation:
o Lane Process
o Messerschmidt Process (99% Pure Hydrogen)
2. Lithium (Li)-aka: earth, stone
• Lightest metal
• Uses: heat exchanger in air conditioners, use in batteries, metal alloys and
glass manufacture.
• Clinical application: treatment of manic depression or bipolar disorder (BD);
CNS depressant; diuretic (Na antagonist)
• Under flame test, lithium appears to be carmine red
• Drugs: Lithium Bromide (depressant/sedative); Lithium Carbonate (drug of
choice for mania; Brand name: Lithane, Eskalith, Quilonium-R)

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 ***Lithium carbonate should be used with caution during pregnancy.
Treatment for toxicity: NaCl
• Other products:
o Li2O- aka: Lithia; flux in ceramic glazes
o LiF- a welding flux for aluminum and used in ceramics
o Lithium Stearate (C18H35LiO2)- aka: Lithalure; Litholite; Stavinor; use
as lubricant and stabilizer in cosmetics
o LiCl- used as a flux in welding aluminum; desiccant for drying air
streams; Lithia water; biochemical application include precipitation
RNA from cellular extracts.
o LiOH- used to absorb carbon dioxide (spacecraft, spacesuits);
Products: Lithium carbonate, water
3. Sodium (Na)- aka: natrium (nature)
• Most abundant cation in the extracellular fluid
• Causes fluid retention
• Flame test: persistent golden yellow
• Uses: cation of choice for anionic medicinal (Phenobarbital); manufacture of
glass, soap, textile, paper, salt, metal purifier.
• Excess: edema (HPN)
• Important compounds:
o Sodium acetate- diuretic, urinary and systemic alkalinizer
o Sodium bicarbonate- aka baking soda; used as systemic antacid; S/E
include systemic alkalosis, rebound hyperacidity and edema
**Effervescent salts- usually composed on sodium bicarbonate, citric
acid, tartaric acid. If tartartic acid is used alone, then granules lose their
firmness and crumble. If citric acid is used alone, then a sticky mixture is
formed that is difficult to granulate.
o Sodium Dihydrogen Phosphate- ingredient of fleet enema; Uses-
cathartic, a source of phosphate and urine acidifier (excreted by the
kidneys as sodium acid phosphate and it is used with methenamine)
o Sodium Borate- aka borax; uses- eye wash, wet dressings, compound
borate solution (aka Dobell’s solution, alkaline antiseptic)
o Sodium metabisulfite- water soluble anti-oxidant
o Sodium carbonate- used as antacid, source of carbonate ion,
carbonating agent and manufacture of “soda lime glass”
o Sodium chloride- aka rock salt, table salt, soler salt; use as electrolyte
replenisher, tonicity adjusting agent, condiment and preservative
o Sodium citrate- used orally as antacid and diuretic. Parenterally, it
shortens the coagulation time. In vitro, it prevents coagulation of
blood. It prevents discoloration of preparations. Other uses include
buffer, expectorant and ingredient of Benedict’s Solution.

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 o Sodium Fluoride- used as anticariogenic (2% solution)
o Sodium Hydroxide-aka Caustic soda, sosa and soda lye. Uses:
saponifying agent (hard soap/bar soap)
o Sodium Phosphite- used as reducing agent
o Sodium Hypochlorite- aka Dakin’s solution (Chlorox). Uses: oxidizing
agent, disinfectant, bleaching agent, used in making Labarraques
Solution.
o Sodium Iodide- used as expectorant, antifungal, iodine solubilizer
o Sodium lactate- use as antacid, diuretic, and ingredient in Lactated
Ringer’s Solution
o Sodium Nitrate- aka Chile salt peter, Peru salt peter. Uses: meat
preservative (converted to sodium nitrite)
**Sodium nitrite is known in the Philippine market as salitre; used as
vasodilator and treatment in cyanide poisoning
o Sodium Sulfate- aka Glauber’s salt and used as saline cathartic
o Sodium Thiosulfate- aka hypochlor and photographer’s hypo. Used in
the treatment of cyanide poisoning. Considered as chemical antidote,
protects against renal damage and volumetric solution in iodometry
and permanganometry
4. Potassium (K)- aka kalium; most predominant intracellular cation.
• Deficiency: hypokalemia, paralysis/severe muscle contraction
• Pharmacologic action: diuretic, important in smooth muscle contraction,
negative inotropic effect on the heart.
• Glass modification: gives a brown and light-resistant glass (K ion)
• Important compounds:
o Potassium bicarbonate- used as antacid/alkalizer, carbonating agent
and source of bicarbonate ion
o Potassium bitartrate- aka cream of tartar, creamor. Used as diuretic
and laxative
o Potassium bromide- used as antidepressant in case of mental
excitement
o Potassium carbonate- aka potash, pearl ash and salt of tartar. Used
as antacid, carbonating agent and carbonate source
o Potassium chlorate- used as oxidizing agent, germicide and
component of gargle, mouthwash, vaginal douche
o Potassium chloride- electrolyte replenisher
o Potassium citrate- used as diuretic, expectorant and diaphoretic
o Potassium hydroxide- aka caustic potash, potash lye, lye. Used as
saponifying agent

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 o Potassium iodide- aka mineral chameleon. Used as oxidizing agent,
antiseptic and volumetric solution and indicator in
permanganometry.
o Sodium Potassium Tartrate- aka Rochelle salt, sal seignette. Used as
cathartic, sequestering agent in Fehling’s Reagent
o Potassium Thiocyanate- aka potassium rhodanate. used in
hypertension and migraine
5. Rubidium and Cesium- no application in pharmacy and medicine at this time
**Rubidium- aka rubidus (red)
**Cesium- first element discovered by spectroscope. Used as catalyst
6. Francium (Fr)- radioactive metallic element that closely resembles cesium in
chemical properties

Group 1B (The Coinage Metals)

Properties:
• Resemble the alkali metals only with respect to the single valence electron
• Two valence states exist for Cu (I and II) and Au (I and III)
• Occur free in nature and are easily recoverable from compounds by reduction
• Low in the electromotive series and hence are not very active chemically, the
chemical activity decreases as atomic weight increases
• Oxides and hydroxides are weak bases
• Ag, Cu(I), Au(I) halides are nearly insoluble in water

1. Copper (Cu)- aka Cuprum

• the only reddish metal
• 3rd most malleable element
• 3rd best conductor of electricity
• Essential trace element
• Found in the respiratory pigment called “hemocyanin”, enhances the
utilization of iron. Toxicity will lead to Wilson’s disease. Antidote:
penicillamine and cuprimine.
• Alloys: Cu + Zn = brass; Cu + Sn = bronze; Cu + Silver = sterling
• Important compounds:
o Cupric citrate- astringent, mildly antiseptic
o Cuprous citrate- astringent in 8% concentration
o Copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4.5H2O)- aka cupric sulfate, blue
stone, blue vitriol. Component of fehling’s reagent, benedict’s
reagent, Barfoed’s reagent, Bordeaux mixture. Used as antidote for
phosphorous poisoning, emetic and astringent
o Copper aceto arsenate- aka paris green, imperial green, Vienna
green, parrot green. Used as insecticide
2. Silver- aka argentum, luna, seolfor, crescent moon

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 • 2nd most malleable
• 2nd best conductor of electricity
• has oligodynamic property
• toxicity: Argyria; Antidote: Sodium thiosulfate, Potassium ferricyanide, NSS
• Uses: antiseptic, astringent, irritant, corrosive
• Important soluble compounds of silver:
o Silver nitrate (AgNO3)-aka lunar caustic, caustic pencil, indelible ink,
lapiz infernulariz. Used as wet dressings for burns, treatment of warts,
eye antiseptic.
o Ammoniacal Silver Nitrate Solution (AgNH3)2OH- aka Howe’s
solution. Used as dental protective and desensitizing agent
o Mild Silver proteinate- aka argyrol. Used as mild antiseptic
o Strong Silver protein-aka protargol. Used as irrigation of the urethra
and bladder
o Colloidal silver proteinate- aka collargol. Used as general germicide.
3. Gold (Au)-aka aurum, shining dawn, king of all metals.
• Most malleable, most ductile metal, 1st best conductor of electricity
• Dissolved by Aqua regia (3 parts HCl + 1 part HNO3) and selenic acid
• Toxicity: gold dermatitis. Antidote: BAL, Corticotropin
• Important compounds:
o Aurothioglucose- Brand Name: SolGanal, administered IM; used in
the treatment of gout and rheumatoid arthritis
o Gold sodium thiomalate- Brand Name: Myochrysine, administered
IM; used in the treatment of gout, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic
lupus erythematous.
o Auranofin- Brand Name: Ridaura, administered per orally. Main
adverse reaction is glossitis

Group IIA: Alkaline Earth Metals (Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra)
Chemical properties
• Good conductors of heat and electricity
• Lose their two valence electrons to form 2+ ions, hence, they are all strong
reducing agents although not as strong as IA metals
• Chemical activities of these metals increase as the atomic radius increases
• All these metals combine directly with oxygen, halogens, nitrogen, sulfur, and
hydrogen
• Beryllium oxide is amphoteric (compounds that can act as an acid and a base),
but the other oxides are all basic
• The salts of these metals are not as soluble as those of the alkali metals

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1. Berrylium (Be)
• Most toxic metal
• Use: fluorescent light tubes/lamp
• Toxicity: Berryliosis

2. Magnesium (Mg)
• 2nd most abundant intracellular cation
• Component of grignard’s reagent and chlorophyll
• Natural sources: as silicates (talc, asbestos), as carbonates (magnesite and
dolomite), as sulfates (kieserite)
• Pharmacologic action: IM/IV (powerful general anesthetic action; Oral
(Laxative); natural calcium channel blocker
• Important compounds:
o Magnesium carbonate- aka magnesia alba. Used as antacid and laxative
o Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2)-aka milk of magnesia, magnesia
magma. Used as an antacid
o Magnesium oxide (MgO)- aka calcined magnesia, magnesia, light
magnesia. Used as laxative and component of universal antidote
o Magnesium trisilicate (2MgO.2SiO2.xH2O)- used as antacid. Prolonged
action is due to its gelatinous property.
o Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4.7H2O)- aka epsom salt. Used as cathartic
(PO), anticonvulsant (IM/IV) and antidote in barium and barbiturate
toxicity.
o Hydrate Magnesium Silicate (Mg3(OH)2Si4O10)-aka talc, talcum,
soapstone, French chalk, steatite. It is the softest mineral known. Used
as lubricant, protective, filtering agent, clarifying agent, dusting powder.
o Magnesium citrate (MgHC6H5O7)-aka lemonade purganti, purgative
lemonade, citrate of magnesia. Used as cathartic

3. Calcium (Ca)
• 2nd most abundant cation in the extracellular fluid
• Vitamin D is necessary for its maximum absorption
• Under flame test: brick red flame
• Pharmacologic uses: blood coagulation factor, important in muscular
contraction, important in the release of neurotransmitters, primary element of
bones and teeth.
• Calcium deficiency states- osteoporosis (porous bones), osteomalacia (adults,
inadequate calcification of the extracellular bone matrix); rickets (children,
defect in bone mineralization)
• Important compounds:
o Calcium bromide (CaBr2)- sedative, depressant

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 o Calcium carbonate (CaCO3)- aka precipitated chalk, prepared chalk and
drop chalk. Used as antacid and ingredient in toothpaste and dentrifices.
o Calcium chloride (CaCl2.2H2O)- aka muriate of lime. Used as calcium
replenisher, ingredient in ringer’s injection, lactated ringer’s injection
o Calcium gluconate (Ca(C6H11O7)2.H2O)- used as a source of calcium,
calcium replenisher.
o Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2)- aka slaked lime, milk of lime. Used as
antacid, added to baby formula, mild astringent, saponifying agent.
o Calcium oxide (CaO)- aka lime, calx, quicklime. Used in making Bordeaux
mixture, algaecide, insecticide.
o Tribasic Calcium Phosphate(Ca3(PO4)2)- aka bone ash. Used as antacid
o Calcium sulfate (CaSO4. 2H2O)- aka gypsum, terra alba, alabaster,
satin/light spar
o Plaster of paris (CaSO4.1/2H2O)- used in preparation of surgical casts and
dental impression, rodenticide
4. Strontium (Sr)
• Strontium chloride (SrCl2), Sensodyne (temperature desensitizing agent)
• Radiopharmaceutical: Strontium 89 chloride
• Used in red pyrotechniques
5. Barium (Ba)
• “barys” = heavy
• Toxicity: Baritosis
• Antidote: Epsom salt
• Flame test: Yellowish green flame
• Important compounds:
o Barium sulfate (BaSO4)- occurs in the mineral barite and heavy spar.
Radiopaque material (GI imaging). ADR is constipation
o Barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)2.8H2O)- aka caustic baryta. Used as
active bases. Barium hydroxide lime is used a carbon dioxide
absorber.
6. Radium
• Discovered by Marie Curie
• Radioactive element used for cancer chemotherapy and diagnosis
• 1st radioactive element used medicinally (1901)
• 6th rarest element which emits alpha, beta and gamma radiation

Group IIB: Volatile Metals (Zinc, Cadmium, Mercury)

Chemical properties:
• Soft Metals (Zinc and Cadmium)
• Liquid (Mercury)
• Volatile Metals (low melting point)

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• Since the elements of this group have a filled set of d orbitals, they are
sometimes classified as terminal elements rather than transitional elements
• React with halogens, oxygen, citric acid, and other common oxidizing agents
• All these metals are used in alloys
• The oxides and hydroxides of these metals are weak bases (base strength
increasing down the group)
• Autocomplexation
1. Zinc
• Source: Cadmia (zinc ores)
• Present in insulin
• Pharmacologic action: astringent, antiseptic, antiperspirant, protectant
• Deficiency state: impaired growth, parakeratosis, retarded sexual maturation
• Positive result for Rinman’s Green Test
• Toxicity: metal fume fever; Antidote: NaHCO3
• Important compounds:
o Zinc chloride-aka butter of zinc. Used as astringent, dentin
desensitizer, caustic. It is marketed as Burnett’s disinfectant liquid
o Zinc oxide- aka zinc white, flowers of zinc. Used as antiseptic,
astringent and topical protectant. Primary ingredient in calamine,
Lasaar’s plain zinc paste and Lasaar’s zinc paste (with salicylic acid)
o Zinc sulfate heptahydrate (ZnSO4.7H2O)- aka white vitriol. Used as
emetic, astringent and weak antiseptic. It is an ingredient of white
lotion.
o Zinc sulfide-aka white lotion and white sulfide. Used as topical
protectant, parasiticide, antiseptic and astringent.
o Zinc eugenol cement- used as dental fillings
2. Cadmium-aka wood’s metal, metal rose
• Pharmacologic action: astringent
• Toxicity: Itai-Itai disease; Antidote: BAL/Dimercaprol
• Source: common in drinking water if it is polluted
• Important compounds:
o Cadmium sulfide (CdS)-aka yellow sulfide. Used as anti-seborrheic
3. Mercury-aka quicksilver, messenger of gods, hydrargyrum
• Use: diuretic, antiseptic, cathartic, antisyphilitic, parasiticidal and fungicidal.
Present in thermometers and amalgams
• Toxicity: Minamata disease; Antidote: EDTA
• Important compounds:
o Mercurous chloride (Hg2Cl2)- aka calomel. Used as cathartic and local
antiseptic

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 o Mercuric chloride (HgCl2)- aka corrosive sublimate. Used as
disinfectant.
o Mercuric-Potassium Iodide (K2HgI4)- component of Mayer’s reagent
o Ammoniated mercury (HgNH2Cl)-aka white precipitate. Used as
topical antiseptic.
o Mercury oxide (HgO)- aka yellow precipitate. Used as mild sustained
antibacterial effect.

Activity 1

• You are requested to view a video about flame tests posted in the mVLE course
page on September 28, 2020, 1:00 PM.

Learning Input 2 (Laboratory)

• You probably think of water as a substance that can put out fires. But some
elements are so reactive that they burn in water. In fact, they virtually explode
in water. That’s what is happening in the photo above. About 3 pounds of sodium
were added to water, and the result was this explosive reaction. Why is sodium
such a reactive element? In this activity you will find out.

Activity 2
• A video demonstration on the reaction of alkali metals with water will be posted
in the mVLE course page on September 28, 2020, 1:00 PM.

Wrap-Up Activity

1. Discussion Forum (Open-ended questions)

• You are expected to participate in the discussion forum scheduled on October
5, 2020 (unless otherwise rescheduled), Monday via the mVLE
BIGBlueButtonBN or Zoom.

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 • An invitation link will be available in the mVLE course site.
• Open-ended questions will be asked randomly among students during the
discussion proper.
• In addition, students are also given opportunity to ask/raise any question or
make clarifications during the discussion.
Assessment (Post-Assessment)
Problem-Based Learning Task 6
Assignment
• A detailed instruction will be available in the mVLE course page assignment portal
on September 28, 2020, 1:00 PM.
• Submit your output on or before 11:59 pm, October 4, 2020 (Sunday) via the same
portal in mVLE.
Laboratory-Based Learning Task 5
• A detailed instruction will be available on September 28, 2020, 1:00 PM. Submit
your laboratory report on or before 11:59 pm, October 4, 2020 via the assignment
part in mVLE.

Online Exam 5
• You are required to take the Post-Test on the topic learned.
• The link will be posted on October 5, 2020 (Monday) after the discussion forum in
the mVLE Quiz Portal.
• Accomplish and submit the said exam on or before 11:59 PM on the same date.
Course Facilitator

Kristian Gay D. Beltran

Assistant Professor II
Pharmacy Department
kdbeltran@mmsu.edu.ph

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