Properties of Group 1 and 2 Metal Compounds

Edexcel AS Chemistry

Unit 2 - Chapter 11: Groups in the Periodic Table

- A few short revision cards stating the properties of the group 1 and 2 carbonates, nitrates, hydroxides and sulphates.

- Also include trends going down the group (if any)

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  • Created by: Connie
  • Created on: 22-05-12 13:18

Carbonates

Group 1

  • General formula M2CO3
  • Dissolve in water
  • Carbonate ion is a base (therefore the solution is alkaline)
  • Do not decompose on heating (exception is lithium, which decomposes like a group 2 carbonate)

Group 2

  • General formula MCO3
  • Insoluble in water
  • Decompose on heating to give the metal oxide + carbon dioxide
  • E.g. CaCO3(s) --> CaO(s) + CO2(g)
  • More thermally stable down the group (due to increasing size of metal ion)
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Nitrates

Group 1

  • General formula M NO3
  • Very soluble in water
  • Only decompose on heating as far as the nitrite (exception is lithium, which decomposes like a group 2 nitrate)
  • E.g. 2KNO3(s) --> 2KNO2(s) + O2(g)

Group 2

  • General formula M(NO3)2
  • Very soluble in water
  • Decompose on heating to give the metal oxide + nitrogen dioxide + oxygen
  • E.g. 2Mg(NO3)2 --> 2MgO(s) + 4NO2(g) + O2(g)
  • More thermally stable down the group (due to increasing size of metal ion)
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Hydroxides

Group 1

  • General formula MOH
  • Soluble in water
  • Solubility increases down the group (solutions are alkaline)

Group 2

  • General formula M(OH )2
  • Soluble in water to some degree (Mg is only slightly soluble)
  • Solubility increases down the group (solutions are alkaline)
  • Ca(OH)2, also known as limewater; is used to test for the presence of carbon dioxide gas - limewater goes milky CO2 is present
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Sulphates

Group 1

  • Group 1 sulphates aren't mentioned in this unit

Group 2

  • General formula MSO4
  • Solubility decreases down the group
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