THE s-BLOCK ELEMENTS 291

UNIT 10

THE s -BLOCK ELEMENTS

he

The first element of alkali and alkaline earth metals differs

in many respects from the other members of the group

is

After studying this unit, you will be

able to

bl

The s-block elements of the Periodic Table are those in

• describe the general charact- which the last electron enters the outermost s-orbital. As
eristics of the alkali metals and the s-orbital can accommodate only two electrons, two

pu
their compounds;
groups (1 & 2) belong to the s-block of the Periodic Table.

• explain the general characteristics Group 1 of the Periodic Table consists of the elements:

of the alkaline earth metals and lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, caesium and
be T

their compounds; francium. They are collectively known as the alkali metals.

These are so called because they form hydroxides on

re
• describe the manufacture,
o R

properties and uses of industrially reaction with water which are strongly alkaline in nature.
important sodium and calcium The elements of Group 2 include beryllium, magnesium,

compounds including Portland calcium, strontium, barium and radium. These elements

tt E

cement; with the exception of beryllium are commonly known as

• appreciate the biological the alkaline earth metals. These are so called because their

significance of sodium, oxides and hydroxides are alkaline in nature and these
C

potassium, magnesium and metal oxides are found in the earth’s crust*.

calcium. Among the alkali metals sodium and potassium are

abundant and lithium, rubidium and caesium have much

no N

lower abundances (Table 10.1). Francium is highly

223
radioactive; its longest-lived isotope Fr has a half-life of

only 21 minutes. Of the alkaline earth metals calcium and

magnesium rank fifth and sixth in abundance respectively

©

in the earth’s crust. Strontium and barium have much

1223hL

lower abundances. Beryllium is rare and radium is the

rarest of all comprising only 10

–10
per cent of igneous

rocks† (Table 10.2, page 299).

The general electronic configuration of s-block elements

1 2

is [noble gas]ns for alkali metals and [noble gas] ns for

alkaline earth metals.

† A type of rock formed

* The thin, rocky outer layer of the Earth is crust.
from magma (molten rock) that has cooled and hardened.

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292 CHEMISTRY

Lithium and beryllium, the first elements increase in atomic number, the atom becomes
+

of Group 1 and Group 2 respectively exhibit larger. The monovalent ions (M ) are smaller
some properties which are different from those than the parent atom. The atomic and ionic

of the other members of the respective group. radii of alkali metals increase on moving down

In these anomalous properties they resemble the group i.e., they increase in size while going

the second element of the following group. from Li to Cs.

Thus, lithium shows similarities to magnesium 10.1.3 Ionization Enthalpy

and beryllium to aluminium in many of their

The ionization enthalpies of the alkali metals
properties. This type of diagonal similarity is

d
are considerably low and decrease down the
commonly referred to as diagonal relationship

group from Li to Cs. This is because the effect

in the periodic table. The diagonal relationship
of increasing size outweighs the increasing

he

is due to the similarity in ionic sizes and /or

nuclear charge, and the outermost electron is

charge/radius ratio of the elements.

very well screened from the nuclear charge.
Monovalent sodium and potassium ions and

10.1.4 Hydration Enthalpy

divalent magnesium and calcium ions are

found in large proportions in biological fluids.

is
The hydration enthalpies of alkali metal ions

These ions perform important biological decrease with increase in ionic sizes.

functions such as maintenance of ion balance + + + +

Li > Na > K > Rb > Cs
+

and nerve impulse conduction.

bl

+
Li has maximum degree of hydration and

10.1 GROUP 1 ELEMENTS: ALKALI for this reason lithium salts are mostly

puMETALS hydrated, e.g., LiCl· 2H2O

The alkali metals show regular trends in their 10.1.5 Physical Properties
physical and chemical properties with the

increasing atomic number. The atomic,

All the alkali metals are silvery white, soft and
be T

light metals. Because of the large size, these

physical and chemical properties of alkali
elements have low density which increases

re
metals are discussed below.
down the group from Li to Cs. However,
o R

10.1.1 Electronic Configuration potassium is lighter than sodium. The melting

All the alkali metals have one valence electron, and boiling points of the alkali metals are low

1 indicating weak metallic bonding due to the

tt E

ns (Table 10.1) outside the noble gas core.

presence of only a single valence electron in

The loosely held s-electron in the outermost

valence shell of these elements makes them the them. The alkali metals and their salts impart

most electropositive metals. They readily lose characteristic colour to an oxidizing flame. This

+
electron to give monovalent M ions. Hence they is because the heat from the flame excites the

are never found in free state in nature. outermost orbital electron to a higher energy
no N

level. When the excited electron comes back to

Element Symbol Electronic configuration the ground state, there is emission of radiation

in the visible region as given below:

Lithium Li 1s22s1
Metal Li Na K Rb Cs

Sodium Na 1s22s22p63s1 v r r v
©

Potassium K 1s22s22p63s23p64s1 Colour Crimson Yellow Violet Red Blue

red violet
Rubidium Rb 1s22s22p63s23p63d104s24p65s1

Caesium Cs 1s 2s 2p 3s 3p 3d 4s
2 2 6 2 6 10 2
λ/nm 670.8 589.2 766.5 780.0 455.5

4p 4d 5s 5p 6s or [Xe] 6s
6 10 2 6 1 1
Alkali metals can therefore, be detected by

Francium Fr [Rn]7s1 the respective flame tests and can be

60

determined by flame photometry or atomic

10.1.2 Atomic and Ionic Radii absorption spectroscopy. These elements when

The alkali metal atoms have the largest sizes irradiated with light, the light energy absorbed

in a particular period of the periodic table. With may be sufficient to make an atom lose electron.

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THE s-BLOCK ELEMENTS 293

Table 10.1 Atomic and Physical Properties of the Alkali Metals

Property Lithium Sodium Potassium Rubidium Caesium Francium

Li Na K Rb Cs Fr

Atomic number 3 11 19 37 55 87

–1
Atomic mass (g mol ) 6.94 22.99 39.10 85.47 132.91 (223)

1 1 1 1 1 1

Electronic [He] 2s [Ne] 3s [Ar] 4s [Kr] 5s [Xe] 6s [Rn] 7s

configuration

d
Ionization 520 496 419 403 376 ~375

enthalpy / kJ mol
–1
I

he

Hydration –506 –406 –330 –310 –276 –

t
–1
enthalpy/kJ mol

Metallic 152 186 227 248 265 –

radius / pm T

is

Ionic radius 76 102 138 152 167 (180)

+
M / pm

bl

m.p. / K 454 371 336 312 302 –

b.p / K 1615 1156 1032 961 944 –

pu –3
Density / g cm 0.53 0.97 0.86 1.53 1.90 –

Standard potentials –3.04 –2.714 –2.925 –2.930 –2.927 –

+
E / V for (M / M)
be T

–18 *
Occurrence in 18* 2.27** 1.84** 78-12* 2-6* ~ 10

re
lithosphere†
o R

*ppm (part per million), ** percentage by weight; † Lithosphere: The Earth’s outer layer: its crust

and part of the upper mantle

tt E

This property makes caesium and potassium 2 Na O2 Na 2 O 2 (peroxide)

useful as electrodes in photoelectric cells.

M O2 MO 2 (superoxide)
C

10.1.6 Chemical Properties

(M = K, Rb, Cs)
The alkali metals are highly reactive due to

their large size and low ionization enthalpy. The

In all these oxides the oxidation state of the
no N

alkali metal is +1. Lithium shows exceptional

reactivity of these metals increases down the
behaviour in reacting directly with nitrogen of

group.
air to form the nitride, Li3N as well. Because of

(i) Reactivity towards air: The alkali metals their high reactivity towards air and water,

tarnish in dry air due to the formation of

©

alkali metals are normally kept in kerosene oil.

their oxides which in turn react with

moisture to form hydroxides. They burn Problem 10.1

vigorously in oxygen forming oxides. What is the oxidation state of K in KO2?

Lithium forms monoxide, sodium forms

peroxide, the other metals form Solution

–

superoxides. The superoxide O2 ion is The superoxide species is represented as

–
stable only in the presence of large cations O 2 ; since the compound is neutral,

such as K, Rb, Cs. therefore, the oxidation state of potassium

is +1.
4 Li O2 2 Li 2 O (oxide)

293 C:\ChemistryXI\Unit-10\Unit-10-Lay-3(reprint).pmd Reprint 27.7.6

Li gently Na vigorously

k Rbi Cs violent

294 CHEMISTRY

(ii) Reactivity towards water: The alkali the highest hydration enthalpy which

metals react with water to form hydroxide accounts for its high negative E value and
and dihydrogen. its high reducing power.

2 M 2H2O 2 M 2 OH H2

2 (M = an alkali metal) Problem 10.2

my It may be noted that although lithium has
–
The E for Cl 2 /Cl is +1.36, for I2/I is
–

RON

most negative E value (Table 10.1), its
+
+ 0.53, for Ag /Ag is +0.79, Na /Na is
+

S reaction with water is less vigorous than
+
–2.71 and for Li /Li is – 3.04. Arrange

N3 that of sodium which has the least negative

d
the following ionic species in decreasing
Nat

I
E value among the alkali metals. This
behaviour of lithium is attributed to its
order of reducing strength:
– –

he

I , Ag, Cl , Li, Na
small size and very high hydration energy.

µaµnztH2 Other metals of the group react explosively Solution
– –

with water. The order is Li > Na > I > Ag > Cl

if
They also react with proton donors such

is
as alcohol, gaseous ammonia and alkynes. (vi) Solutions in liquid ammonia: The alkali

(iii) Reactivity towards dihydrogen: The metals dissolve in liquid ammonia giving

deep blue solutions which are conducting
alkali metals react with dihydrogen at

bl

about 673K (lithium at 1073K) to form in nature.

hydrides. All the alkali metal hydrides are M (x y)NH3 [M(NH3 )x ] [e(NH3 )y ]

pu ionic solids with high melting points. The blue colour of the solution is due to

the ammoniated electron which absorbs
2 M H2 2M H

energy in the visible region of light and thus
(iv) Reactivity towards halogens : The alkali imparts blue colour to the solution. The
be T

metals readily react vigorously with solutions are paramagnetic and on

+ –
re
halogens to form ionic halides, M X . standing slowly liberate hydrogen resulting
o R

However, lithium halides are somewhat in the formation of amide.

covalent. It is because of the high
polarisation capability of lithium ion (The M (am) e NH3 (1) MNH2(am) ½H2 (g)

tt E

distortion of electron cloud of the anion by (where ‘am’ denotes solution in ammonia.)

the cation is called polarisation). The Li ion
+

same is very small in size and has high tendency In concentrated solution, the blue colour
changes to bronze colour and becomes
C

to distort electron cloud around the diamagnetic.
negative halide ion. Since anion with large

size can be easily distorted, among halides,
0
10.1.7 Uses
no N

lithium iodide is the most covalent in Lithium metal is used to make useful alloys,

nature. for example with lead to make ‘white metal’

(v) Reducing nature: The alkali metals are bearings for motor engines, with aluminium

strong reducing agents, lithium being the a to make aircraft parts, and with magnesium iif
©

most and sodium the least powerful

to make armour plates. It is used in
(Table 10.1). The standard electrode thermonuclear reactions. Lithium is also used

potential (E ) which measures the reducing to make electrochemical cells. Sodium is used li M

power represents the overall change : to make a Na/Pb alloy needed to make PbEt4

M(s) M(g)
M(g) M (g) e
sublimationenthalpy
ionizationenthalpy
and PbMe4. These organolead compounds were
earlier used as anti-knock additives to petrol,
but nowadays vehicles use lead-free petrol.
narco
M (g) H O M (aq) hydrationenthalpy

2 Liquid sodium metal is used as a coolant in pbEt4
If

With the small size of its ion, lithium has fast breeder nuclear reactors. Potassium has

rt

294 C:\ChemistryXI\Unit-10\Unit-10-Lay-3(reprint).pmd Reprint 27.7.6

THE s-BLOCK ELEMENTS 295

a vital role in biological systems. Potassium The hydroxides which are obtained by the

chloride is used as a fertilizer. Potassium reaction of the oxides with water are all white

hydroxide is used in the manufacture of soft crystalline solids. The alkali metal hydroxides

X
soap. It is also used as an excellent absorbent are the strongest of all bases and dissolve freely

of carbon dioxide. Caesium is used in devising in water with evolution of much heat on

photoelectric cells. account of intense hydration.

r

10.2 GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF 10.2.2 Halides

THE COMPOUNDS OF THE ALKALI The alkali metal halides, MX, (X=F,Cl,Br,I) are

d
METALS all high melting, colourless crystalline solids.

All the common compounds of the alkali metals They can be prepared by the reaction of the

he

are generally ionic in nature. General appropriate oxide, hydroxide or carbonate with

characteristics of some of their compounds are aqueous hydrohalic acid (HX). All of these

discussed here. halides have high negative enthalpies of

10.2.1 Oxides and Hydroxides formation; the ∆f H values for fluorides

is
I
become less negative as we go down the group,

On combustion in excess of air, lithium forms

whilst the reverse is true for ∆f H for chlorides,

mainly the oxide, Li2O (plus some peroxide

bromides and iodides. For a given metal
Li2O2), sodium forms the peroxide, Na2O2 (and

bl

∆f H always becomes less negative from

some superoxide NaO2) whilst potassium,

rubidium and caesium 2 form the superoxides, fluoride to iodide.

MO 2. Under appropriate conditions pure

pu The melting and boiling points always MPIBP

compounds M2O, M 2O 2 and MO 2 may be follow the trend: fluoride > chloride > bromide
m
M
1

prepared. The increasing stability of the > iodide. All these halides are soluble in water.
The low solubility of LiF in water is due to its
be T

peroxide or superoxide, as the size of the metal

ion increases, is due to the stabilisation of large high lattice enthalpy whereas the low solubility

re
anions by larger cations through lattice energy of CsI is due to smaller hydration enthalpy of
o R

effects. These oxides are easily hydrolysed by its two ions. Other halides of lithium are soluble

water to form the hydroxides according to the in ethanol, acetone and ethylacetate; LiCl is

following reactions : soluble in pyridine also.

tt E

M2 O H2 O 2M 2 OH – 10.2.3 Salts of Oxo-Acids

Oxo-acids are those in which the acidic proton

C

M2O2 2H2O 2M 2 OH – H2 O2

is on a hydroxyl group with an oxo group

attached to the same atom e.g., carbonic acid,

2 MO2 2 H2O 2M 2 OH – H2 O2 O2
no N

H 2 CO 3 (OC(OH) 2 ; sulphuric acid, H 2 SO 4

The oxides and the peroxides are colourless (O2S(OH)2). The alkali metals form salts with

C
when pure, but the superoxides are yellow or
orange in colour. The superoxides are also
all the oxo-acids. They are generally soluble
in water and thermally stable. Their

paramagnetic. Sodium peroxide is widely used carbonates (M2CO3) and in most cases the

as an oxidising agent in inorganic chemistry. hydrogencarbonates (MHCO3) also are highly

stable to heat. As the electropositive character

Problem 10.3 increases down the group, the stability of the

Why is KO2 paramagnetic ? carbonates and hydorgencarbonates increases.

Lithium carbonate is not so stable to heat;

Solution

– lithium being very small in size polarises a

The superoxide O 2 is paramagnetic 2–

large CO3 ion leading to the formation of more
because of one unpaired electron in π*2p

molecular orbital.
stable Li2O and CO2. Its hydrogencarbonate

does not exist as a solid.

295 C:\ChemistryXI\Unit-10\Unit-10-Lay-3(reprint).pmd Reprint 27.7.6

296 CHEMISTRY

10.3 ANOMALOUS PROPERTIES OF and lighter than other elements in the

LITHIUM respective groups.

The anomalous behaviour of lithium is due to (ii) Lithium and magnesium react slowly with
the : (i) exceptionally small size of its atom and water. Their oxides and hydroxides are

much less soluble and their hydroxides

ion, and (ii) high polarising power (i.e., charge/

radius ratio). As a result, there is increased decompose on heating. Both form a nitride,

BK

covalent character of lithium compounds which Li3N and Mg3N2, by direct combination

is responsible for their solubility in organic with nitrogen.

solvents. Further, lithium shows diagonal (iii) The oxides, Li2O and MgO do not combine

relationship to magnesium which has been with excess oxygen to give any superoxide. hiO
discussed subsequently. (iv) The carbonates of lithium and magnesium
mg02

he

decompose easily on heating to

10.3.1 Points of Difference between

Lithium and other Alkali Metals form the oxides and CO 2 . Solid

(i) Lithium is much harder. Its m.p. and b.p.

hydrogencarbonates are not formed by

are higher than the other alkali metals.

lithium and magnesium.

is

(v) Both LiCl and MgCl2 are soluble in ethanol.

(ii) Lithium is least reactive but the strongest

reducing agent among all the alkali metals. (vi) Both LiCl and MgCl2 are deliquescent and
crystallise from aqueous solution as

bl

On combustion in air it forms mainly

hydrates, LiCl·2H2O and MgCl2·8H2O.

monoxide, Li2O and the nitride, Li3N unlike

other alkali metals. 10.4 SOME IMPORTANT COMPOUNDS OF

pu
(iii) LiCl is deliquescent and crystallises as a SODIUM

hydrate, LiCl.2H2O whereas other alkali Industrially important compounds of sodium

metal chlorides do not form hydrates. include sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide,
be T

(iv) Lithium hydrogencarbonate is not sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate. The

obtained in the solid form while all other large scale production of these compounds
re
o R

elements form solid hydrogencarbonates. and their uses are described below:

(v) Lithium unlike other alkali metals forms Sodium Carbonate (Washing Soda),

ay no ethynide on reaction with ethyne. Na2CO3·10H2O

tt E

(vi) Lithium nitrate when heated gives lithium Sodium carbonate is generally prepared by

oxide, Li2O, whereas other alkali metal Solvay Process. In this process, advantage is

nitrates decompose to give the taken of the low solubility of sodium

corresponding nitrite. hydrogencarbonate whereby it gets

4LiNO 3 2 Li 2 O 4 NO 2 O2
precipitated in the reaction of sodium chloride
no N

with ammonium hydrogencarbonate. The

2 NaNO 3 2 NaNO 2 O2 latter is prepared by passing CO 2 to a

concentrated solution of sodium chloride

(vii) LiF and Li2O are comparatively much less saturated with ammonia, where ammonium

a soluble in water than the corresponding

©

carbonate followed by ammonium

compounds of other alkali metals. hydrogencarbonate are formed. The equations

lion
Liz03
10.3.2 Points of Similarities between for the complete process may be written as :

Lithium and Magnesium 2 NH 3 H2O CO 2 NH 4 CO 3

2
The similarity between lithium and magnesium

is particularly striking and arises because of

NH 4 2
CO 3 H2O CO 2 2 NH 4 HCO 3

their similar sizes : atomic radii, Li = 152 pm, NH 4 HCO 3 NaCl NH 4 Cl NaHCO 3

+
Mg = 160 pm; ionic radii : Li = 76 pm, Sodium hydrogencarbonate crystal
2+

Mg = 72 pm. The main points of similarity are: separates. These are heated to give sodium

(i) Both lithium and magnesium are harder carbonate.

296 C:\ChemistryXI\Unit-10\Unit-10-Lay-3(reprint).pmd Reprint 27.7.6

rein
Y

THE s-BLOCK ELEMENTS 297

2 NaHCO 3 Na 2 CO 3 CO 2 H2O of brine solution, contains sodium sulphate,

calcium sulphate, calcium chloride and

In this process NH3 is recovered when the magnesium chloride as impurities. Calcium

solution containing NH4Cl is treated with chloride, CaCl2, and magnesium chloride,

Ca(OH)2. Calcium chloride is obtained as a

MgCl 2 are impurities because they are

by-product. deliquescent (absorb moisture easily from the

o
2 NH 4 Cl Ca OH 2 2 NH3 CaCl 2 H2 O
It may be mentioned here that Solvay
atmosphere). To obtain pure sodium chloride,
the crude salt is dissolved in minimum amount

of water and filtered to remove insoluble

d
process cannot be extended to the

manufacture of potassium carbonate because impurities. The solution is then saturated with
potassium hydrogencarbonate is too soluble hydrogen chloride gas. Crystals of pure

he

to be precipitated by the addition of

ammonium hydrogencarbonate to a saturated O
sodium chloride separate out. Calcium and
magnesium chloride, being more soluble than

solution of potassium chloride. sodium chloride, remain in solution.

Properties : Sodium carbonate is a white Sodium chloride melts at 1081K. It has a

is

crystalline solid which exists as a decahydrate, solubility of 36.0 g in 100 g of water at 273 K.
Na2CO3·10H2O. This is also called washing

The solubility does not increase appreciably

soda. It is readily soluble in water. On heating, with increase in temperature.

bl

the decahydrate loses its water of crystallisation

to form monohydrate. Above 373K, the Uses :

monohydrate becomes completely anhydrous

pu (i) It is used as a common salt or table salt for

and changes to a white powder called soda ash. domestic purpose.

Na2CO3 10H2O O 373k

375 K
Na CO 2 3 H2O 9H2O (ii) It is used for the preparation of Na2O2,
NaOH and Na2CO3.
be T

Na 2CO3 H2O 373K

Na 2CO3 H2 O

Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda), NaOH

re
Carbonate part of sodium carbonate gets
o R

hydrolysed by water to form an alkaline Sodium hydroxide is generally prepared

solution. commercially by the electrolysis of sodium

CO2– HCO3– OH – chloride in Castner-Kellner cell. A brine

H2 O
tt E

3
solution is electrolysed using a mercury

Uses:
cathode and a carbon anode. Sodium metal

(i) It is used in water softening, laundering discharged at the cathode combines with
C

and cleaning. mercury to form sodium amalgam. Chlorine

(ii) It is used in the manufacture of glass, gas is evolved at the anode.

soap, borax and caustic soda.
no N

Cathode : Na e Hg
Na – amalgam
(iii) It is used in paper, paints and textile

industries. 1

Anode : Cl – Cl 2 e–
(iv) It is an important laboratory reagent both 2

in qualitative and quantitative analysis. The amalgam is treated with water to give

sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.

Sodium Chloride, NaCl e2

2Na-amalgam + 2H2O 2NaOH+ 2Hg +H

The most abundant source of sodium chloride

is sea water which contains 2.7 to 2.9% by Sodium hydroxide is a white, translucent
solid. It melts at 591 K. It is readily soluble in

mass of the salt. In tropical countries like India,

water to give a strong alkaline solution.
common salt is generally obtained by

Crystals of sodium hydroxide are deliquescent.

evaporation of sea water. Approximately 50

lakh tons of salt are produced annually in The sodium hydroxide solution at the surface

India by solar evaporation. Crude sodium reacts with the CO2 in the atmosphere to form
Na2CO3.

chloride, generally obtained by crystallisation

297 C:\ChemistryXI\Unit-10\Unit-10-Lay-3(reprint).pmd Reprint 27.7.6

298 CHEMISTRY

Uses: It is used in (i) the manufacture of soap, found on the opposite sides of cell membranes.

paper, artificial silk and a number of chemicals, As a typical example, in blood plasma, sodium
–1
(ii) in petroleum refining, (iii) in the purification is present to the extent of 143 mmolL ,

of bauxite, (iv) in the textile industries for whereas the potassium level is only

–1

mercerising cotton fabrics, (v) for the

preparation of pure fats and oils, and (vi) as a
or
5 mmolL within the red blood cells. These
–1
concentrations change to 10 mmolL (Na ) and
+
–1 +

laboratory reagent. 105 mmolL (K ). These ionic gradients

Sodium Hydrogencarbonate (Baking demonstrate that a discriminatory mechanism,
Soda), NaHCO3 called the sodium-potassium pump, operates

d
across the cell membranes which consumes

Sodium hydrogencarbonate is known as
more than one-third of the ATP used by a
baking soda because it decomposes on heating

he

to generate bubbles of carbon dioxide (leaving
resting animal and about 15 kg per 24 h in a

holes in cakes or pastries and making them
resting human.

light and fluffy). 10.6 GROUP 2 ELEMENTS : ALKALINE

Sodium hydrogencarbonate is made by EARTH METALS

is

saturating a solution of sodium carbonate with The group 2 elements comprise beryllium,
carbon dioxide. The white crystalline powder magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium and

of sodium hydrogencarbonate, being less radium. They follow alkali metals in the

bl

Ad

soluble, gets separated out.

puNa 2 CO3 H2 O CO 2 2 NaHCO 3

periodic table. These (except beryllium) are
known as alkaline earth metals. The first
element beryllium differs from the rest of the
Sodium hydrogencarbonate is a mild members and shows diagonal relationship to

peafowl antiseptic for skin infections. It is used in fire aluminium. The atomic and physical

extinguishers. properties of the alkaline earth metals are
be T

shown in Table 10.2.
0
10.5 BIOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE OF

re
SODIUM AND POTASSIUM 10.6.1 Electronic Configuration
o R

A typical 70 kg man contains about 90 g of Na These elements have two electrons in the

and 170 g of K compared with only 5 g of iron s -orbital of the valence shell (Table 10.2). Their

tt E

and 0.06 g of copper. general electronic configuration may be

2

Sodium ions are found primarily on the represented as [noble gas] ns . Like alkali

outside of cells, being located in blood plasma r metals, the compounds of these elements are
C

and in the interstitial fluid which surrounds also predominantly ionic.

the cells. These ions participate in the

transmission of nerve signals, in regulating the
Element Symbol Electronic
configuration
no N

flow of water across cell membranes and in the

transport of sugars and amino acids into cells. Beryllium Be 1s22s2

Sodium and potassium, although so similar Magnesium Mg 1s22s22p63s2
chemically, differ quantitatively in their ability Calcium Ca 1s22s22p63s23p64s2

to penetrate cell membranes, in their transport Strontium Sr 1s22s22p63s23p63d10

mechanisms and in their efficiency to activate 4s24p65s2

enzymes. Thus, potassium ions are the most Barium Ba 1s22s22p63s23p63d104s2

abundant cations within cell fluids, where they 4p64d105s25p66s2 or
activate many enzymes, participate in the [Xe]6s2

oxidation of glucose to produce ATP and, with

jog
Radium Ra [Rn]7s2

f
sodium, are responsible for the transmission a

of nerve signals. 10.6.2 Atomic and Ionic Radii

There is a very considerable variation in the The atomic and ionic radii of the alkaline earth

concentration of sodium and potassium ions metals are smaller than those of the

298 C:\ChemistryXI\Unit-10\Unit-10-Lay-3(reprint).pmd Reprint 27.7.6

M Ba

Mp Casse Ba
Da Be

di Ba see Be mg je

THE s-BLOCK ELEMENTS 299

MS ca

Table 10.2 Atomic and Physical Properties of the Alkaline Earth Metals

Property Beryllium Magnesium Calcium Strontium Barium Radium

Be Mg Ca Sr Ba Ra

Atomic number 4 12 20 38 56 88

Atomic mass (g mol )

–1
9.01 24.31 40.08 87.62 137.33 226.03

Electronic [He] 2s2 [Ne] 3s2 [Ar] 4s2 [Kr] 5s2 [Xe] 6s2 [Rn] 7s2

configuration

d
Ionization 899 737 590 549 503 509
enthalpy (I) / kJ mol–1

Ionization 1757 1450 1145 1064 965 979

he

enthalpy (II) /kJ mol–1

Hydration enthalpy
(kJ/mol)
– 2494 – 1921 –1577 – 1443 – 1305 –
i

Metallic 111 160 197 215 222 –

is
radius / pm

Ionic radius 31 72 100 118 135 148

M2+ / pm

bl

m.p. / K 1560 924 1124 1062 1002 973

b.p / K 2745 1363 1767 1655 2078 (1973)

puDensity / g cm–3 1.84 1.74 1.55 2.63 3.59 (5.5)

Standard potential –1.97 –2.36 –2.84 –2.89 – 2.92 –2.92

E / V for (M2+/ M)
be T

Occurrence in 2* 2.76** 4.6** 384* 390 * 10–6*

lithosphere

re
*ppm (part per million); ** percentage by weight
o R

corresponding alkali metals in the same increase in ionic size down the group.
periods. This is due to the increased nuclear 2+ 2+ 2+
Be > Mg > Ca > Sr > Ba
2+ 2+

tt E

charge in these elements. Within the group, the

The hydration enthalpies of alkaline earth

atomic and ionic radii increase with increase
metal ions are larger than those of alkali metal

in atomic number.
C

ions. Thus, compounds of alkaline earth metals

10.6.3 Ionization Enthalpies are more extensively hydrated than those of

The alkaline earth metals have low ionization alkali metals, e.g., MgCl2 and CaCl2 exist as
no N

enthalpies due to fairly large size of the atoms. MgCl2.6H2O and CaCl2· 6H2O while NaCl and

Since the atomic size increases down the KCl do not form such hydrates.
group, their ionization enthalpy decreases 10.6.5 Physical Properties

(Table 10.2). The first ionisation enthalpies of

The alkaline earth metals, in general, are silvery

©

the alkaline earth metals are higher than those

white, lustrous and relatively soft but harder

of the corresponding Group 1 metals. This is

than the alkali metals. Beryllium and

due to their small size as compared to the

magnesium appear to be somewhat greyish.
corresponding alkali metals. It is interesting

to note that the second ionisation enthalpies

The melting and boiling points of these metals

are higher than the corresponding alkali metals

of the alkaline earth metals are smaller than
due to smaller sizes. The trend is, however, not

those of the corresponding alkali metals.

systematic. Because of the low ionisation

10.6.4 Hydration Enthalpies enthalpies, they are strongly electropositive in

Like alkali metal ions, the hydration enthalpies nature. The electropositive character increases

of alkaline earth metal ions decrease with down the group from Be to Ba. Calcium,

299
299 C:\ChemistryXI\Unit-10\Unit-10-Lay-3(reprint).pmd 27.7.6,
C:\ChemistryXI\Unit-10\Unit-10-Lay-3(reprint).pmd Reprint16.10.6
27.7.6(reprint)

300 CHEMISTRY

strontium and barium impart characteristic (iv) Reactivity towards acids: The alkaline

brick red, crimson and apple green colours earth metals readily react with acids liberating
respectively to the flame. In flame the electrons dihydrogen.

are excited to higher energy levels and when M + 2HCl → MCl2 + H2

they drop back to the ground state, energy is

(v) Reducing nature: Like alkali metals, the
emitted in the form of visible light. The
alkaline earth metals are strong reducing

electrons in beryllium and magnesium are too
agents. This is indicated by large negative
strongly bound to get excited by flame. Hence,

these elements do not impart any colour to the values of their reduction potentials

d
flame. The flame test for Ca, Sr and Ba is (Table 10.2). However their reducing power is

helpful in their detection in qualitative analysis less than those of their corresponding alkali
metals. Beryllium has less negative value

and estimation by flame photometry. The
alkaline earth metals like those of alkali metals
have high electrical and thermal conductivities
which are typical characteristics of metals.
10.6.6 Chemical Properties
he
compared to other alkaline earth metals.
However, its reducing nature is due to large
hydration energy associated with the small
2+
size of Be ion and relatively large value of the

is
atomization enthalpy of the metal.

The alkaline earth metals are less reactive than
(vi) Solutions in liquid ammonia: Like

the alkali metals. The reactivity of these
alkali metals, the alkaline earth metals dissolve

bl

elements increases on going down the group.
in liquid ammonia to give deep blue black

(i) Reactivity towards air and water: solutions forming ammoniated ions.

Beryllium
pu and magnesium are kinetically inert
2 –
to oxygen and water because of the formation M x y NH3 M NH3 X 2 e NH3 Y

of an oxide film on their surface. However,

powdered beryllium burns brilliantly on From these solutions, the ammoniates,
be T

2+

ignition in air to give BeO and Be N
3 2 . [M(NH3)6] can be recovered.
Magnesium is more electropositive and burns

re
with dazzling brilliance in air to give MgO and 10.6.7 Uses
o R

Mg3N2. Calcium, strontium and barium are
readily attacked by air to form the oxide and
nitride. They also react with water with
tt E
Beryllium is used in the manufacture of alloys.
Copper-beryllium alloys are used in the
t of

preparation of high strength springs. Metallic

increasing vigour even in cold to form

beryllium is used for making windows
hydroxides. X-ray tubes. Magnesium forms alloys with ti M

I
C

(ii) Reactivity towards the halogens: All

the alkaline earth metals combine with halogen
at elevated temperatures forming their halides.
no N
AT
aluminium, zinc, manganese and tin.
Magnesium-aluminium alloys being light in
mass are used in air-craft construction.

M X2 MX 2 X F, Cl, Br, l Magnesium (powder and ribbon) is used in

Thermal decomposition of (NH4)2BeF4 is the flash powders and bulbs, incendiary bombs

hydroxide in water (called milk of magnesia) Mgk

best route for the preparation of BeF , and and signals. A suspension of magnesium

BeCl2 is conveniently made from the oxide.

2 2

Be a k BeO C Cl is used as antacid in medicine. Magnesium

of
600 800K

2 BeCl 2 CO carbonate is an ingredient of toothpaste.

(iii) Reactivity towards hydrogen: All the Calcium is used in the extraction of metals from AFntacidg
Becht

cozelements except beryllium combine with oxides which are difficult to reduce with
hydrogen upon heating to form their hydrides, carbon. Calcium and barium metals, owing

MH2. to their reactivity with oxygen and nitrogen at

elevated temperatures, have often been used
BeH2, however, can be prepared by the reaction

of BeCl2 with LiAlH4. to remove air from vacuum tubes. Radium

salts are used in radiotherapy, for example, in
2BeCl 2 LiAlH 4 2BeH 2 LiCl AlCl 3

the treatment of cancer.

300 C:\ChemistryXI\Unit-10\Unit-10-Lay-3(reprint).pmd Reprint 27.7.6 Calvin

In y

I Be …

THE s-BLOCK ELEMENTS

U B 301

10.7 GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF In the vapour phase BeCl2 tends to form a

COMPOUNDS OF THE ALKALINE chloro-bridged dimer which dissociates into the

EARTH METALS linear monomer at high temperatures of the

2+
The dipositive oxidation state (M ) is the order of 1200 K. The tendency to form halide

hydrates gradually decreases (for example,

predominant valence of Group 2 elements. The

alkaline earth metals form compounds which MgCl2·8H2O, CaCl2·6H2O, SrCl2·6H2O and

are predominantly ionic but less ionic than the BaCl2·2H2O) down the group. The dehydration

corresponding compounds of alkali metals. of hydrated chlorides, bromides and iodides

This is due to increased nuclear charge and of Ca, Sr and Ba can be achieved on heating;

d
smaller size. The oxides and other compounds however, the corresponding hydrated halides

of beryllium and magnesium are more covalent of Be and Mg on heating suffer hydrolysis. The

he

than those formed by the heavier and large fluorides are relatively less soluble than the

sized members (Ca, Sr, Ba). The general chlorides owing to their high lattice energies.

characteristics of some of the compounds of (iii) Salts of Oxoacids: The alkaline earth
alkali earth metals are described below.

metals also form salts of oxoacids. Some of

is
(i) Oxides and Hydroxides: The alkaline these are :

earth metals burn in oxygen to form the Carbonates: Carbonates of alkaline earth

o
monoxide, MO which, except for BeO, have metals are insoluble in water and can be

bl

rock-salt structure. The BeO is essentially precipitated by addition of a sodium or

covalent in nature. The enthalpies of formation

ammonium carbonate solution to a solution

of these oxides are quite high and consequently

of a soluble salt of these metals. The solubility

pu
they are very stable to heat. BeO is amphoteric
while oxides of other elements are ionic in
of carbonates in water decreases as the atomic
number of the metal ion increases. All the
nature. All these oxides except BeO are basic
be T

in nature and react with water to form sparingly carbonates decompose on heating to give
soluble hydroxides. carbon dioxide and the oxide. Beryllium

re
carbonate is unstable and can be kept only in
o R

MO + H2O → M(OH)2
the atmosphere of CO2. The thermal stability

The solubility, thermal stability and the increases with increasing cationic size.
basic character of these hydroxides increase

tt E

Sulphates: The sulphates of the alkaline earth

with increasing atomic number from Mg(OH)2

to Ba(OH) 2 . The alkaline earth metal metals are all white solids and stable to heat.

hydroxides are, however, less basic and less BeSO4, and MgSO4 are readily soluble in water;
C

the solubility decreases from CaSO4 to BaSO4.

stable than alkali metal hydroxides. Beryllium 2+

hydroxide is amphoteric in nature as it reacts The greater hydration enthalpies of Be and

2+
Mg ions overcome the lattice enthalpy factor
with acid and alkali both.
no N

– 2– and therefore their sulphates are soluble in

Be(OH)2 + 2OH → [Be(OH)4]

Beryllate ion water.

Be(OH)2 + 2HCl + 2H2O → [Be(OH)4]Cl2 Nitrates: The nitrates are made by dissolution

of the carbonates in dilute nitric acid.

(ii) Halides: Except for beryllium halides, all Magnesium nitrate crystallises with six

other halides of alkaline earth metals are ionic molecules of water, whereas barium nitrate

00

in nature. Beryllium halides are essentially crystallises as the anhydrous salt. This again

covalent and soluble in organic solvents. shows a decreasing tendency to form hydrates

Beryllium chloride has a chain structure in the with increasing size and decreasing hydration
solid state as shown below:

c ye enthalpy. All of them decompose on heating to

give the oxide like lithium nitrate.

2M NO 3 2 2MO 4NO2 O2

(M = Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba)

p3 d BeckCsi

301 C:\ChemistryXI\Unit-10\Unit-10-Lay-3(reprint).pmd Reprint 27.7.6

302 CHEMISTRY

Problem 10.4
Why does the solubility of alkaline earth
metal hydroxides in water increase down
the group?
Solution
Among alkaline earth metal hydroxides,
the anion being common the cationic
radius will influence the lattice enthalpy.
(iii) The oxide and hydroxide of beryllium,
unlike the hydroxides of other elements in
the group, are amphoteric in nature.
10.8.1 Diagonal Relationship between
Beryllium and Aluminium
2+
The ionic radius of Be is estimated to be
31 pm; the charge/radius ratio is nearly the
3+
same as that of the Al ion. Hence beryllium

d
Since lattice enthalpy decreases much resembles aluminium in some ways. Some of

more than the hydration enthalpy with the similarities are:

increasing ionic size, the solubility
increases as we go down the group.
Problem 10.5
Why does the solubility of alkaline earth
he
(i) Like aluminium, beryllium is not readily
attacked by acids because of the presence
of an oxide film on the surface of the metal.
(ii) Beryllium hydroxide dissolves in excess of
2–

is
alkali to give a beryllate ion, [Be(OH)4] just

metal carbonates and sulphates in water as aluminium hydroxide gives aluminate

decrease down the group? ion, [Al(OH)4] .
–

(iii) The chlorides of both beryllium and BC2 I24

bl

Solution
–

The size of anions being much larger aluminium have Cl bridged chloride

pu compared to cations, the lattice enthalpy structure in vapour phase. Both the a Be Be
will remain almost constant within a chlorides are soluble in organic solvents

I iii
and are strong Lewis acids. They are used

particular group. Since the hydration

enthalpies decrease down the group, as Friedel Craft catalysts. ni
be T

solubility will decrease as found for (iv) Beryllium and aluminium ions have strong

alkaline earth metal carbonates and 2–
tendency to form complexes, BeF4 , AlF6 .
3–
re
o R

sulphates.

10.9 SOME IMPORTANT COMPOUNDS OF

CALCIUM

10.8 ANOMALOUS BEHAVIOUR OF
tt E

Important compounds of calcium are calcium

BERYLLIUM

oxide, calcium hydroxide, calcium sulphate,

Beryllium, the first member of the Group 2 calcium carbonate and cement. These are
C

metals, shows anomalous behaviour as industrially important compounds. The large

compared to magnesium and rest of the scale preparation of these compounds and

members. Further, it shows diagonal their uses are described below.
no N

relationship to aluminium which is discussed
Calcium Oxide or Quick Lime, CaO

subsequently.
It is prepared on a commercial scale by

(i) Beryllium has exceptionally small atomic
heating limestone (CaCO3) in a rotary kiln at
and ionic sizes and thus does not compare

2
©

well with other members of the group. 1070-1270 K.

a
a
Bc
Because of high ionisation enthalpy and CaCO3
heat
CaO CO2
small size it forms compounds which are
largely covalent and get easily hydrolysed. The carbon dioxide is removed as soon as

(ii) Beryllium does not exhibit coordination
number more than four as in its valence
shell there are only four orbitals. The
remaining members of the group can have
a coordination number of six by making
use of d-orbitals.
it is produced to enable the reaction to proceed
to completion.
Calcium oxide is a white amorphous solid.
It has a melting point of 2870 K. On exposure
to atmosphere, it absorbs moisture and carbon
dioxide.

302 C:\ChemistryXI\Unit-10\Unit-10-Lay-3(reprint).pmd Reprint 27.7.6

THE s-BLOCK ELEMENTS 303

CaO
CaO
H2 O
CO 2
Ca OH
CaCO 3
2
or
(ii) It is used in white wash due to its
disinfectant nature.

(iii) It is used in glass making, in tanning

The addition of limited amount of water industry, for the preparation of bleaching

breaks the lump of lime. This process is called powder and for purification of sugar.

slaking of lime. Quick lime slaked with soda Calcium Carbonate, CaCO3

gives solid sodalime. Being a basic oxide, it Calcium carbonate occurs in nature in several

combines with acidic oxides at high forms like limestone, chalk, marble etc. It can

temperature.

d
be prepared by passing carbon dioxide

CaO SiO 2 CaSiO 3 through slaked lime or by the addition of

sodium carbonate to calcium chloride.

he

6CaO P4 O10 2Ca 3 PO 4 2

Ca OH CO2 CaCO3 H2O

a
2
Uses:

CaCl 2 Na 2 CO 3 CaCO 3 2NaCl

(i) It is an important primary material for

manufacturing cement and is the cheapest Excess of carbon dioxide should be

is

form of alkali. avoided since this leads to the formation of

(ii) It is used in the manufacture of sodium water soluble calcium hydrogencarbonate.

Calcium carbonate is a white fluffy powder.

bl

carbonate from caustic soda.

It is almost insoluble in water. When heated

(iii) It is employed in the purification of sugar to 1200 K, it decomposes to evolve carbon

pu and in the manufacture of dye stuffs. dioxide.

Calcium Hydroxide (Slaked lime), Ca(OH)2 CaCO3 1200 K

CaO CO2

Calcium hydroxide is prepared by adding It reacts with dilute acid to liberate carbon
be T

water to quick lime, CaO. dioxide.

It is a white amorphous powder. It is

re
CaCO 3 2HCl CaCl 2 H2O CO 2
o R

sparingly soluble in water. The aqueous

solution is known as lime water and a CaCO 3 H 2 SO 4 CaSO 4 H 2 O CO 2

suspension of slaked lime in water is known Uses:

tt E

as milk of lime. It is used as a building material in the form of

When carbon dioxide is passed through marble and in the manufacture of quick lime.

lime water it turns milky due to the formation Calcium carbonate along with magnesium
C

carbonate is used as a flux in the extraction of

of calcium carbonate.
metals such as iron. Specially precipitated

Ca OH 2
CO2 CaCO 3 H2O CaCO3 is extensively used in the manufacture
no N

On passing excess of carbon dioxide, the of high quality paper. It is also used as an

precipitate dissolves to form calcium antacid, mild abrasive in tooth paste, a

hydrogencarbonate. constituent of chewing gum, and a filler in

cosmetics.

CaCO3 CO2 H2O Ca HCO3 2 Calcium Sulphate (Plaster of Paris),

CaSO4· H2O
Milk of lime reacts with chlorine to form

hypochlorite, a constituent of bleaching It is a hemihydrate of calcium sulphate. It is

powder. obtained when gypsum, CaSO 4·2H 2 O, is

heated to 393 K.
2Ca OH 2Cl2 CaCl 2 Ca OCl 2H2O

2
Bleaching powder
2
2 CaSO4 .2H2O 2 CaSO4 .H2O 3H2 O

0
Uses:
(i) It is used in the preparation of mortar, a
Above 393 K, no water of crystallisation is left
and anhydrous calcium sulphate, CaSO4 is

building material. formed. This is known as ‘dead burnt plaster’.

easuy.tn

EasyZhao
303 C:\ChemistryXI\Unit-10\Unit-10-Lay-3(reprint).pmd Reprint 27.7.6


k

y tricalcium silicate Cason 42hr0 Cqgoy.zm

2 dicalciumsilicate

3 tricalcium Aluminate

304 plmaid CHEMISTRY

It has a remarkable property of setting with silicate (Ca 3 SiO 5 ) 51% and tricalcium

water. On mixing with an adequate quantity aluminate (Ca3Al2O6) 11%.
of water it forms a plastic mass that gets into a Setting of Cement: When mixed with water,

hard solid in 5 to 15 minutes. the setting of cement takes place to give a hard expans

Uses: mass. This is due to the hydration of the

The largest use of Plaster of Paris is in the

building industry as well as plasters. It is used
molecules of the constituents and their
rearrangement. The purpose of adding
heat

for immoblising the affected part of organ where gypsum is only to slow down the process of
down

there is a bone fracture or sprain. It is also setting of the cement so that it gets sufficiently
slow

d
employed in dentistry, in ornamental work and hardened.

for making casts of statues and busts. Uses: Cement has become a commodity of
setting

he

national necessity for any country next to iron
Cement: Cement is an important building

material. It was first introduced in England in and steel. It is used in concrete and reinforced gypsum

1824 by Joseph Aspdin. It is also called concrete, in plastering and in the construction
added

Portland cement because it resembles with the of bridges, dams and buildings.
is

is

natural limestone quarried in the Isle of
10.10 BIOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE OF cement

Portland, England.
Cement is a product obtained by
MAGNESIUM AND CALCIUM to

bl

combining a material rich in lime, CaO with
An adult body contains about 25 g of Mg and
1200 g of Ca compared with only 5 g of iron

1
Cao silica, SiO along with the oxides of and 0.06 g of copper. The daily requirement
other material such as clay which contains
in the human body has been estimated to be
2 Si or

pu aluminium,
2
iron and magnesium. The
composition of Portland cement is : CaO, 50-
average 200 – 300 mg.

Ty

SiO2, 20-25%; Al2O3, 5-10%; MgO, 2- w
All enzymes that utilise ATP in phosphate
3
Alz03 60%;
be T

transfer require magnesium as the cofactor.

4
Mgo alumina C
3%; Fe2O3, 1-2% and SO3, 1-2%. For a good
The main pigment for the absorption of light
re
quality cement, the ratio of silica (SiO2) to
in plants is chlorophyll which contains
o R

(Al2O3) should be between 2.5 and 4
magnesium. About 99 % of body calcium is
5 A

Tezoz and the ratio of lime (CaO) to the total of the present in bones and teeth. It also plays
oxides of silicon (SiO2) aluminium (Al2O3)

important roles in neuromuscular function,
tt E

6

503 to 2.
and iron (Fe2O3) should be as close as possible
interneuronal transmission, cell membrane
integrity and blood coagulation. The calcium

The raw materials for the manufacture of
C

concentration in plasma is regulated at about

2.5 4cement are limestone and clay.cWhen clay and 100 mgL–1. It is maintained by two hormones:
j
g lime are strongly heated together they fuse and calcitonin and parathyroid hormone. Do you
react to form ‘cement clinker’. This clinker is P know that bone is not an inert and unchanging
no N

Cao

mixed with 2-3% by weight of gypsum substance but is continuously being

iountist

(CaSO4·2H2O) to form cement. Thus important

ingredients present in Portland cement are
solubilised and redeposited to the extent of
400 mg per day in man? All this calcium

Tezoz dicalcium silicate (Ca SiO ) 26%, tricalcium
©

2 4 passes through the plasma.

2 SUMMARY

The s-Block of the periodic table constitutes Group1 (alkali metals) and Group 2

(alkaline earth metals). They are so called because their oxides and hydroxides are alkaline

in nature. The alkali metals are characterised by one s-electron and the alkaline earth
metals by two s-electrons in the+ valence shell of their atoms. These are highly reactive

2+
metals forming monopositive (M ) and dipositve (M ) ions respectively.

304 C:\ChemistryXI\Unit-10\Unit-10-Lay-3(reprint).pmd Reprint 27.7.6

Analmalous properties of ti

Due to small size

High EN

High 10 chargelsize ratio

1 MPEeBP of ti is much higher than those of

other G1 elements

2 Li is much harder than other

3 ti is least reactive but most reducing

in nature

LizN but other can't

4 In air it forms

5 Lizcoz 4 Lion undergo decomposition on heating

but crest of corf g on are stable

G Lilecoz is not obtained in solid solid state

Lid is
deliquescent and crystallises as

Lid 2420 but other chlorides don't form

hydrates

8 Li does not react with GHz to form Liza



only fi react with c to form Liza

fo

Li has greater tendency to form

complexes

11

Li Noz decompose on
heating to give

tizo Noe 02 but other gives MN 02902

1 2 LizSog doesn't form double salts

43

Lit Liz cos LizPop are insoluble in H2O

but others are soluble

Analmalous properties of Be

Be shows maximum coordination number 4

but other show 6

Beryllium halides

2 are soluble in organic

solvents but other halides are ionic

3 Beltz polymeric g has 3C 2e bonds like

HH3

Beck is polymeric like Alcl3

Be like Al is amphoteric 9 liberates

Hz with acid and alkali

Be forms many complexes

7 Become like 110473 is amphoteric in

nature

8 Be like Al forms methanide

9 Be like Al is rendered passive by

conc HMO3


Common names of S Block compounds

compound Name

149202 Oxone

NaOH caustic soda

149203.101720 Washing soda

Nalecoz Baking soda

Naz5203.5420 Hypo

NaNH4HP04o4h20 microcosmic salt

Nacl common saltforocksalt

conc NacICaq Brine

Na2S04 101120 Glauber's salt

KOH Caustic potash

k2C03 Potash Pearl ash

Nazcoz Soda ash

cost Nazcoz fusion mixture

KNOB saltpetre

Nanoz Chile saltpetre

Hazlett cryolite

BezHz Sirois Beryl

Mgcog Magnesite

Mgcoz Cacoz Dolomite

KI Mguz 6h20 Carnallite

Mgsoq 7h20 epsomsaltf epsomite

Cacoz limestone

Cao Quicklime


Basoq Baryte
Baryta water

BacoHk

Cath Hysolith

MgO Magnesia

mgdz.s mg.dz 2h20 Sosel cement

cask 2420 Gypsum

Caso4.42420 POP

casoq Burnt plaster

dead burnt plaster

Caouz Bleaching powder

M9Cd047z Anhydrase

Cacomz Slaked time

Cacoh z Suspension lime water

Note size ti 152PM Lmg 160 pm

1 it G 6pm Mg 2pm

S Block

Biological importance

Nat present in blood plasma

regulate water flow across cell membrane

transport of sugar amino acids

into cells

let abundantly present within cell fluids

activate many enzymes participate

in the oxidation of glucose to ATP

Nat81st responsible for transmission of nerve

signal

Nate let though similar chemically but differ

in pentration ability into cells.d efficiency

to activate enzymes

Blood plasma Nat 143 mmolIL Kt 5mmol

10mmol IL K 1

fluids
Cell Nat 105 MM

Nat Kt pump across cell membrane consumes

rd ATP testing animal

3
Mgk Cofactor for enzyme which involved in

ATP transfer 6 present in chlorophyll

4 ca't

99 of body ca is present in teethe bases

neuromuscular function interneuronal

transmission 8 cell membrane integrity

conc in blood plasma 200 Mgk is

maintained by calcitoning parathyroid


Uses of S Block compounds 4 Elements

1 Narcos 10h20 water softening laundering q cleaning

glass soap borax caustic soda

paper paints textile industry

Natecoz baking soda

mild antiseptic for skis antacid

fire extinguisher
3

NaOH manufacture of soap KOH soft soap

paper artificial sik

petroleum refining

purification of bauxite

mercerising Colton fabric

pure fat aeoil

4 Cao cement cheapest form of alkali

purification of sugar

manufacture of dye stuff

57
Cacomz white wash disinfectant

bleaching powder

purification of sugar
6
Cacoz Marble manufacture of lime

EeMgcoz flux

specially precipitated Cacoz highquality

paper

antacid Cmgcoz cacos mild abrassive for

toothpaste


chewing gum

fillers in cosmetics

Li Li Pb white metal

bearings for motor engine

ti se aircraft parts

Li Mg armour plates

electrochemical cells

8 Na Na Pb alloy for PbMeg anti knocking

liquid Na coolant in fast breeder

nuclear reactors

97 K ka fertiliser

Kote soft soap

absorb coz

107 Cs photochemical cells

it Be Cu high strength spring

Be windows of X ray tubes

12 Mg Al carft
air

Mg powder 4 ribbon in flash powders incendiary

bombs are signals

Mglonk milk of magnesia antacid suspension

13 Ca RA in extraction of metals which are

difficult to get reduced by c

4 Cag Ba to remove air

15
Ra radiotherapy cancer treatment


Cement

17 Cao sick Alzorg MgO Fez 05 503

50 Goy 20 251 5 10 2 3 I 29 I 27

2 tri calcium silicate cassias di calcium

silicate Cassio tricalcium aluminate6931106

3
gypsum is added to cement to

delay setting process so that it sufficiently

get hardened
4 For good quality cement

5502111203 I 205 4

Cao Sig 111203 t Feroz E 2

20

120 C H2o Casoq

CaSog 2h20 y Ca Sog

gypsum pop

Group 18
1 He filling in balloons for matereological observations

gas cooled nuclear reactors

liq He cryogenic agent
produce powerful superconducting material for Nmrgm
diluent for Oz in modern diving apparatus
21 Ne discharge tubes fluorescent bulbs bulbs for botanical
gardens green houses
3 AS inert atmosphere in high temp metallurgicalprocesses
arc welding
 THE s-BLOCK ELEMENTS 305

There is a regular trend in the physical and chemical properties of the alkali metal
with increasing atomic numbers. The atomic and ionic sizes increase and the ionization
enthalpies decrease systematically down the group. Somewhat similar trends are
observed among the properties of the alkaline earth metals.
The first element in each of these groups, lithium in Group 1 and beryllium in
Group 2 shows similarities in properties to the second member of the next group. Such
similarities are termed as the ‘diagonal relationship’ in the periodic table. As such
these elements are anomalous as far as their group characteristics are concerned.
The alkali metals are silvery white, soft and low melting. They are highly reactive.

d
The compounds of alkali metals are predominantly ionic. Their oxides and hydroxides
are soluble in water forming strong alkalies. Important compounds of sodium includes
sodium carbonate, sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide and sodium hydrogencarbonate.

he
Sodium hydroxide is manufactured by Castner-Kellner process and sodium carbonate
by Solvay process.
The chemistry of alkaline earth metals is very much like that of the alkali metals.
However, some differences arise because of reduced atomic and ionic sizes and increased
cationic charges in case of alkaline earth metals. Their oxides and hydroxides are less

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basic than the alkali metal oxides and hydroxides. Industrially important compounds of
calcium include calcium oxide (lime), calcium hydroxide (slaked lime), calcium sulphate
(Plaster of Paris), calcium carbonate (limestone) and cement. Portland cement is an

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important constructional material. It is manufactured by heating a pulverised mixture
of limestone and clay in a rotary kiln. The clinker thus obtained is mixed with some
gypsum (2-3%) to give a fine powder of cement. All these substances find variety of uses
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in different areas.
Monovalent sodium and potassium ions and divalent magnesium and calcium ions
are found in large proportions in biological fluids. These ions perform important
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biological functions such as maintenance of ion balance and nerve impulse conduction.
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EXERCISES
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10.1 What are the common physical and chemical features of alkali metals ?
10.2 Discuss the general characteristics and gradation in properties of alkaline earth
metals.
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10.3 Why are alkali metals not found in nature ?

10.4 Find out the oxidation state of sodium in Na2O2.
10.5 Explain why is sodium less reactive than potassium.
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10.6 Compare the alkali metals and alkaline earth metals with respect to (i) ionisation
enthalpy (ii) basicity of oxides and (iii) solubility of hydroxides.
10.7 In what ways lithium shows similarities to magnesium in its chemical behaviour?
10.8 Explain why can alkali and alkaline earth metals not be obtained by chemical
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reduction methods?
10.9 Why are potassium and caesium, rather than lithium used in photoelectric cells?
10.10 When an alkali metal dissolves in liquid ammonia the solution can acquire
different colours. Explain the reasons for this type of colour change.
10.11 Beryllium and magnesium do not give colour to flame whereas other alkaline
earth metals do so. Why ?
10.12 Discuss the various reactions that occur in the Solvay process.
10.13 Potassium carbonate cannot be prepared by Solvay process. Why ?
10.14 Why is Li2CO3 decomposed at a lower temperature whereas Na2CO3 at higher
temperature?

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10.15 Compare the solubility and thermal stability of the following compounds of the
alkali metals with those of the alkaline earth metals. (a) Nitrates (b) Carbonates
(c) Sulphates.
10.16 Starting with sodium chloride how would you proceed to prepare (i) sodium metal
(ii) sodium hydroxide (iii) sodium peroxide (iv) sodium carbonate ?
10.17 What happens when (i) magnesium is burnt in air (ii) quick lime is heated with
silica (iii) chlorine reacts with slaked lime (iv) calcium nitrate is heated ?
10.18 Describe two important uses of each of the following : (i) caustic soda (ii) sodium
carbonate (iii) quicklime.

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10.19 Draw the structure of (i) BeCl2 (vapour) (ii) BeCl2 (solid).
10.20 The hydroxides and carbonates of sodium and potassium are easily soluble in

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water while the corresponding salts of magnesium and calcium are sparingly
soluble in water. Explain.
10.21 Describe the importance of the following : (i) limestone (ii) cement (iii) plaster of
paris.
10.22 Why are lithium salts commonly hydrated and those of the other alkali ions

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usually anhydrous?
10.23 Why is LiF almost insoluble in water whereas LiCl soluble not only in water but
also in acetone ?

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10.24 Explain the significance of sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium in
biological fluids.
10.25
pu What happens when
(i) sodium metal is dropped in water ?
(ii) sodium metal is heated in free supply of air ?
(iii) sodium peroxide dissolves in water ?
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10.26 Comment on each of the following observations:

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+ + +
(a) The mobilities of the alkali metal ions in aqueous solution are Li < Na < K
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+ +
< Rb < Cs
(b) Lithium is the only alkali metal to form a nitride directly.
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(c) E for M (aq) + 2e → M(s) (where M = Ca, Sr or Ba) is nearly constant.
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10.27 State as to why

(a) a solution of Na2CO3 is alkaline ?
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(b) alkali metals are prepared by electrolysis of their fused chlorides ?

(c) sodium is found to be more useful than potassium ?
10.28 Write balanced equations for reactions between
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(a) Na2O2 and water

(b) KO2 and water
(c) Na2O and CO2.
10.29 How would you explain the following observations?
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(i) BeO is almost insoluble but BeSO4 is soluble in water,

(ii) BaO is soluble but BaSO4 is insoluble in water,
(iii) LiI is more soluble than KI in ethanol.
10.30 Which of the alkali metal is having least melting point ?
(a) Na (b) K (c) Rb (d) Cs
10.31 Which one of the following alkali metals gives hydrated salts ?
(a) Li (b) Na (c) K (d) Cs
10.32 Which one of the alkaline earth metal carbonates is thermally the most stable ?
(a) MgCO3 (b) CaCO3 (c) SrCO3 (d) BaCO3

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