INORGANIC CHEMISTRY

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s-BLOCK ELEMENTS

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 s - Block Element
The elements in which the last electron enters the outermost s-orbital are called s - block elements. The
group 1 and 2 of periodic table belong to the s-block.

Group - I Elements : (Alkali Metals)

(1) The Elements : are Li , Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr (Radioactive : t1/2 of Fr233 = 21 minutes)
group - I elements are called alkali metals because they from hydroxides on reaction with water, which
are alkaline in nature.

(2) Outer Electronic configuration : ns1

(3) Atomic and Ionic radii

Li < Na < K < Rb < Cs.
Increase down the group, because value of n (principal quantum number) increases.

(4) Density
Li < K < Na < Rb < Cs.

(5) Ionization Energy

Li > Na > K > Rb > Cs.
As size increases, I.E. decreases down the group (so Cs have lowest I.P.)

(6) Hardness and melting points / boiling points

* These metals are very soft and can be cut with a knife. Lithium is harder than any other alkali metal.
The hardness depends upon cohesive energy
* Cohensive energy  Force of attraction between atoms.
M.P. Li > Na > K > Rb > Cs
B.P. Li > Na > K > Cs > Rb

(7) Electropositive character or metallic character

Alkali metals are strongly electropositive and metallic. Down the group electropositive nature increase
so metallic nature also increases.
i.e. M  M+ + e–
1
Metallic Nature : Electropositive character 
I.P.
Li < Na < K < Rb < Cs.

(8) Oxidation state

Show +1 oxidation state because by loosing one electron they get stable noble gas configuration.

(9) Photoelectric effect

The phenomenon of emission of electrons when electromagnetic rays strikes against them is called
photoelectric effect; Alkali metal have low I.P. so show photoelectric effect.
* Cs and K are used in Photoelectric cells.

s-Block Elements [2]

Chemical Properties
(1) Reactions with air
The alkali metals tarnish in dry air due to the formation of their oxides on their surface, which in turn react
with water to form hydroxides
4M + O2  2M2O
M2O + H2O  2MO
They react vigorously in oxygen forming following oxides.
4 Li + O2  2 Li2O (Monoxide)
2 Na + O2  Na2O2 (Peroxide)
M + O2  MO2 ( Superoxide) where M = K, Rb, Cs

(2) Solutions in liquid NH3

Alkali metals dissolve in liquid ammonia (high conc. 5 M) and give blue solution which is conducting,
reducing and paramagnetic in nature.

Reason
On dissolving Metal in NH3

M(s) NH 3
M+ + e–

M+ + x(NH3)  [M(NH3)X ]+ Ammoniated cation

e– + y(NH3)  [e(NH3)y ]– Ammoniated electron
The blue colour is due to  Ammoniated electron
The paramagnetic nature is due to  Ammoniated electron
The conducting nature is due to  Ammoniated M+ + Ammoniated electron

* On standing the colour fades due to formation of amide

1
M+ + e– + NH3  MNH2 (amide) + H
2 2 (g)
In the absence of impurities like. Fe, Pt, Zn etc, the solutions are stable.

* In concentrated solution, the blue colour changes to bronze colour and diamagnetic due to the formation
of metal clusters and ammoniated electrons also associate to form electron pairs
2 e– (NH3)y  [ e– (NH3)4]2
(3) Reducing Nature
* Reducing agent is electron donor.
Alkali metals are strong reducing agents with lithium being the strongest and sodium the least prowerful
reducing agent. Na < K < Rb < Cs < Li
Note : Lithium is expected to be least reducing agent due to it's very high IE. However it is strongest. (due to
high hydration energy).

(4) Reaction with H2O

The reaction with water to form the hydroxides having the formula MOH
2M + 2H2O  2MOH + H2
(Highly reactive)

(5) Reaction with H2

They react with H2 forming metal hydride with formula MH which are of ionic nature. Stability of hydride
decreases down the group.

s-Block Elements [3]

(6) Reaction with N2
Only Lithium reacts with N2 to form ionic lithium nitride Li3N.
3
3Li + N 2  Li3N
2
(7) Reaction with halogens X2
The alkali metals react vagariously with halogens to form ionic halides M+X–
2M + X2  2MX

(8) Sulphides
All metals react with S forming sulphides such as Na2S and Na2Sn (n = 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6). The polysulphide
ions are made from zig-zag chains of sulphur atoms.
S S S– S S

–S S– –S S –S S S–
(9) Crown Ethers and Cryptands:

O
O O O

M
+
O O N
N
O
O O O

O
Cryptand - 222
Dibenzo-18-Grown-6

[Na (Cryptand 222)]+ Na– [Contains Na– (sodide ion)]

[(s+(Cryptand - 222)] [(Cyrptand-222)e–] [electride]

Group II Elements (Alkaline Earth Metals)

(1) The Elements are Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba Ra,

(2) Outermost Electronic configuration : - ns2

(3) Atomic and ionic sizes

* The atomic and ionic radii of the alkali earth metal are smaller than corresponding alkali metals
Reason : higher nuclear charge (Zeff)

* On moving down the group size increase, as value of n increases.

Be < Mg < Ca < Sr < Ba

(4) Ionization Enthalpy

Be > Mg > Ca > Sr > Ba
Down the group IE decreases due to increase in size

s-Block Elements [4]

Q. IE1 of AM < IE1 of AEM
IE2 of AM > IE2 of AEM
[where AM = Alkali metal, AEM = Alkaline earth metal]
Reason : IE1 of AEN is large due to increased nuclear charge in AEM as compared to AM but IE2 of
AM is large because second electron in AM is to be removed from cation which has
already acquired noble gas configuration.

(5) Melting and Boiling points

The have low m.p. and b.p. but are higher than corresponding value of group I.

Reason : They have two valency electrons which may participate in metallic bonding compared with
only one electron in AM. Consequently group II elements are harder and have higher cohesive energy
and  have much higher m.p./ b.p. than A.M.
M.P. Be > Ca > Sr >Ba > Mg
B.P. Be > Mg > Ca > Ba > Sr

(6) Electropositive and Metallic character

Due to low IE they are strong electropositive but not as strong as AM because of comparatively high IE.
The electropositive character increase down the group.
Be < Mg < Ca < Sr < Ba

(7) Oxidation State

Show + 2 oxidation state.

Chemical Properties
(1) Reactivity towards Air or Oxygen
* Be and Mg are kinetically inert towards oxygen becasue of formation of a film of oxide on their surface.
However powdered Be burn brilliantly.
2Be + O2 (air)  2BeO

3Be + N2 (air)   Be3N2

Only Mg give the following behaviour.
Mg + Air (N2 + O2)   MgO + Mg3N2

(Similar property with Li due to diagonal relation.)

* BeO, MgO are used as refractory, because these have high m.p.

* Other metals (Ba or Sr form peroxide)

M + O2  MO2


(2) Reaction with H2O

AEM have lesser tendency to react with water as compared to AM. They form hydroxides and liberate
H2 on reaction with H2O
M + 2H2O  M(OH)2+ H2


* Be is inert towards water.

* Magnesium react as
Mg + 2H2O  Mg(OH)2 + H2
or Mg + H2O  MgO + H2O
s-Block Elements [5]
 MgO forms protective layer, that is why it does not react readily unless layer is removed amalgamating
with Hg.
Other metals react quite readily (Ca, Sr, Ba).

Note: Be(OH)2 is amphoteric but other hydroxides are basic in nature.

(3) Reaction with Acids & Bases

AEM react with acids & liberate H2
Mg + 2HCl  MgCl2 + H2
Be is amphoteric as it also react with NaOH, other metals do not react as they are purely basic.
Be + 2NaOH  Be(OH)2 excess
 NaOH [Be(OH)4]
2–

(4) Tendency to form Complexes

AEM have tendency to form some stable complexes. Among these Be and Mg have maximum tendency
due to their small size and high charge density.
BeF2 + 2F–  [BeF4]–2
* Chlorophyll contains Mg2+ [Photosynthetic pigment in plants]
* Ca2+ and Mg2+ form complex with EDTA.

(5) Reactivity with NH3

Like AM, the AEM (only Ca, Sr, Ba) dissolve in by NH3 to give deep blue - black solutions having
ammoniated cations, and ammoniated electrons.

(6) Reaction with Carbon

AEM when heated with carbon form carbides
* Be form Be2C
* Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba form carbides of the formula MC2.

GROUP -I & II
OXIDES
Sodium Oxide (Na2O):
Preparation :
(i) It is obtained by burning sodium at 180°C in a limited supply of air or oxygen and distilling off the excess
of sodium in vacuum.
1
2Na + O 180
 Na2O
2 2
(ii) By heating sodium peroxide, nitrate or nitrite with sodium.
Na2O2 + 2Na  2Na2O
2NaNO3 + 10Na  6Na2O + N2
2NaNO2 + 6Na  4Na2O + N2

Properties :
(i) It is white amorphous mass.
(ii) It decomposes at 400°C into sodium peroxide and sodium
2Na2O 400 C
  Na2O2 + 2Na
(iii) It dissolve violently in water, yielding caustic soda.
Na2O + H2O  2NaOH

s-Block Elements [6]

Sodium Peroxides (Na2O2):
Preparation: It is formed by heating the metal in excess of air or oxygen at 300°, which is free from moisture
and CO2.
2Na + O2  Na2O2
Properties:
(i) It is a pale yellow solid, becoming white in air from the formation of a film of NaOH and Na2CO3.
(ii) In cold water (~0°C) produces H2O2 but at room temperature produces O2. In ice-cold mineral acids
also produces H2O2.
~ 0C
Na2O2 + 2H2O  2NaOH + H2O2
2Na2O2 + 2H2O 25C
  4NaOH + O2
~ 0C
Na2O2 + H2SO4  Na2SO4 + H2O2
(iii) It reacts with CO2, giving sodium carbonate and oxygen and hence its use for purifying air in a confined
space e.g. submarine, ill-ventilated room,
2Na2O2 + 2CO2  2Na2CO3 + O2
(iv) It is an oxidising agent and oxidises charcoal, CO, NH3, SO2.
3Na2O2 + 2C  2Na2CO3 + 2Na [deposition of metallic Na]
CO + Na2O2  Na2CO3
SO2 + Na2O2  Na2SO4
2NH3 + 3Na2O2  6NaOH + N2
(v) It contains peroxide ion [–O–O–]–2

Uses:
(i) For preparing H2O2, O2
(ii) Oxygenating the air in submarines
(iii) Oxidising agent in the laboratory.

Oxides of Potassium:
K2O, K 2O 2 , K2O 3 , KO 2 and KO 3

Colours: White White Red Bright Yellow Orange Solid

Preparation:
(i) 2KNO3 + 10K heating
  6K2O + N2
** K2O heating
 K2O
(White) (Yellow)
** K2O + H2O  2KOH
Controlled
(ii) 2K + O2    K2O2 [Props: Similar with Na2O2]
air at 300C
(iii) Passage of O2 through a blue solution of K in liquid NH3 yields oxides K2O2 (white), K2O3 (red) and
KO2 (deep yellow) i.e
O
K in liq. NH3 2 K2O2  K2O3  KO2
white red yellow
** KO2 reacts with H2O and produces H2O2 and O2 both
0C
2KO2 + 2H2O ~ 2KOH + H2O2 + O2
KO3 : KOH + O3 (ozonised oxygen) 
10 to 15C
  KO 3
(Dry powdered) (orange solid)

s-Block Elements [7]

Magnesium Oxide (MgO):
It is also called magnesia and obtained by heating natural magnesite.
MgCO3  MgO + CO2
Properties:
(i) It is white powder.
(ii) It's m.p. is 2850°C. Hence used in manufacture of refractory bricks for furances.
(iii) It is very slightly soluble in water imparting alkaline reaction.

Calcium Oxide (CaO):

It is commonly called as quick lime or lime and made by decomposing lime stone at a high temperature
about 1000°C.
CaCO3  CaO + CO2 + 42000 cal

Properties:
(i) It is white amorphous powder of m.p. 2570°C.
(ii) It emits intense light (lime light), when heated in oxygen-hydrogen flame.
(iii) It is an basic oxide and combines with some acidic oxide e.g.
CaO + SiO2  CaSiO3
CaO + CO2  CaCO3
(iv) It combines with water to produce slaked lime.
CaO + H2O  Ca(OH)2

Magnesium Peroxide (MgO2) and Calcium Peroxide (CaO2):

These are obtained by passing H2O2 in a suspension of Mg(OH)2 and Ca(OH)2.

Uses: MgO2 is used as an antiseptic in tooth paste and as a bleaching agent.

HYDROXIDES
Sodium Hydroxides:
Preparation:
(i) Electrolysis of Brine :
NaCl l Na+ + Cl –
At anode : 2Cl–  Cl2 + 2e
At cathode : H+ + e–  H

(ii) Caustication of Na2CO3 (Gossage's method):

Na2CO3 + Ca(OH)2 l 2NaOH + CaCO3
(suspension)
Since the Ksp (CaCO3) < Ksp (Ca(OH)2), the reaction shifts towards right.

Properties:
(i) It is white crystalline, deliquescent, highly corrosive solid.
(ii) It is stable towards heat.
(iii) It's aqueous solution alkaline in nature and soapy in touch.
(iv) NH4Cl + NaOH  NaCl + NH3 + H2O
FeCl3 + 3NaOH  Fe(OH)3  + 3NaCl
Brown ppt

ZnCl2 + 2NaOH  Zn(OH)2  + 2NaCl

Zn(OH)2 + 2NaOH Excess  Na2ZnO2 + 2H2O [Same with AlCl3, SnCl2, PbCl2]
soluble
(v) Acidic and amphoteric oxides gets dissolved easily e.g.
CO2 + 2NaOH  Na2CO3 + H2O
s-Block Elements [8]
 Al2O3 + 2NaOH  2NaAlO2 + H2O
(vi) Aluminium and Zn metal gives H2 from NaOH
2Al + 2NaOH + 2H2O  3H2 + 2NaAlO2
(vii) Several non metals such as P, S, Cl etc. yield a hydride instead of hydrogen.e.g.
4P + 3NaOH + 3H2O  PH3 + 3NaH2PO2 (Disproportionation reaction)

Potassium Hydroxide:
Preparation: Electrolysis of KCl aqueous solution.
Properties: Same as NaOH
**(a) It is stronger base compared to NaOH.
(b) Solubility in water is more compared to NaOH.
(c) In alcohol, NaOH is sparingly soluble but KOH is highly soluble.
(d) As a reagent KOH is less frequently used but in absorption of CO2, KOH is preferably used compared
to NaOH. Because KHCO3 formed is soluble whereas NaHCO3 is insoluble and may therefore choke
the tubes of apparatus used.

Magnesium Hydroxide: It occurs in nature as the mineral brucite.

Preparation: It can be prepared by adding caustic soda solution to a solution of Mg-sulphate or chloride
solution.
Mg+2 + 2NaOH  Na2SO4 + Mg(OH)2

Properties:
(i) It can be dried at temperature upto 100°C only otherwise it breaks into its oxide at higher temperature.
Mg(OH)2  MgO + H2O
(ii) It is slightly soluble in water imparting alkalinity.
(iii) It dissolves in NH4Cl solution
Mg(OH)2 + 2NH4Cl  MgCl2 + 2NH4OH
** Thus, Mg(OH)2 is not therefore precipitated from a solution of Mg+2 ions by NH4OH in presence of
excess of NH4Cl.

Calcium Hydroxide:
Preparation: By spraying water on quicklime
CaO + H2O  Ca(OH)2
Properties:
(i) It is sparingly soluble in water.
(ii) It's solubility in hot water is less than that of cold water. Hence solubility decreases with increase in
temperature.
(iii) It readily absorbs CO2 as used as a test for the gas.
(iv) It is used as a mortar.
[Mortar is a mixture of slaked lime (1 Part) and sand (3 Parts) made into paste with water.]

CARBONATES
Sodium Carbonate:
Preparation:
(i) Leblanc Process:
mild heating
NaCl + H2SO4 (conc.)    NaHSO4 + HCl
NaCl + NaHSO4 Strongly
  Na2SO4 + HCl
heated
(Salt Cake)
Na2SO4 + 4C  Na2S + 4CO
Na2S + CaCO3  Na2CO3 + CaS

s-Block Elements [9]

(ii) Solvay Process:
NH3 + H2O + CO2  NH4HCO3
NaCl + NH4HCO3  NaHCO3 + NH4Cl
C
2NaHCO3 150   Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2
Properties:
(i) Anhydrous Na2CO3 is called as soda ash, which does not decompose on heating but melts at 852°C.
(ii) It forms number of hydrates.
Na2CO3. H2O  Crystal carbonate  Na2CO3 + moisture in air
Na2CO3. 7H2O  –––––
Na2CO3.10H2O  Washing soda
(iii) Na2CO3 absorbs CO2 yielding sparingly soluble sodium bicarbonate which can be calcined at 250° to
get pure sodium carbonate.
Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2 2NaHCO3
(iv) It dissolved in acid with effervescence of CO2 and causticised by lime to give caustic soda.
Na2CO3 + HCl  2NaCl + H2O + CO2
Na2CO3 + Ca(OH)2  2NaOH + CaCO3
Uses: It is widely used in glass making as smelter.

Potassium Carbonate:
By leblance process, it can be prepared but by solvay process it cannot be prepared because KHCO3
is soluble in water.
Properties: It resembles with Na2CO3, m.p. is 900°C but a mixture of Na2CO3 and K2CO3 melts at 712°C.

Uses: It is used in glass manufacturing.

Calcium Carbonate:
It occurs in nature as marble, limestone, chalk, coral, calcite etc. It is prepared by dissolving marble or
limestone in HCl and removing iron and aluminium present, by precipitating with NH3 and then adding
(NH4)2CO3 to the solution.
CaCl2 + (NH4)2CO3  CaCO3 + 2NH4Cl
Properties:
(i) It dissociates above 1000°C as follows:
CaCO3  CaO + CO2
(ii) It dissolves in water containing CO2 forming Ca(HCO3)2 but is precipitated from the solution by boiling.
CaCO3 + H2O + CO2 Ca(HCO3)2

Magnesium Carbonate:
It occurs in nature as magnesite, isomorphous with calcite. It is obtained as a white precipitated by
adding sodium bicarbonate to a solution of a magnesium salt; but only basic carbonate, called magnesia
alba, having the approximate composition MgCO3, Mg(OH)2, 3H2O is precipitated.
Properties: Same with CaCO3.

BICARBONATES
Sodium bicarbonates:
Preparation: By absorption of CO2 in Na2CO3 solution.
Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2 2NaHCO3
> 100°C sparingly soluble
Uses: It is used in medicine and as baking powder.
Potassium bicarbonates:
Preparation: Same as NaHCO3

s-Block Elements [10]

Properties: Same with NaHCO3
But It is more alkaline and more soluble in water compared to NaHCO3.

Magnesium bicarbonate:
MgCO3 + CO2 + H2O Mg(HCO3)2

Calcium bicarbonate:
CaCO3 + CO2 + H2O l Ca(HCO3)2

CHLORIDES

Sodium Chloride: Prepared from brine containing 25% NaCl.

Properties:
(i) It is nonhygroscopic but the presence of MgCl2 in common salt renders it hygroscopic.
(ii) It is used to prepare freezing mixture in laboratory [Ice-common salt mixture is called freezing mixture
and temperature goes down to –23°C.]
(iii) For melting ice and snow on road.

Potassium Chloride: It is also occurs in nature as sylvyne (KCl) or carnalite (2KCl · MgCl2 · 6H2O)
Uses: It is used as fertiliser.

Magnesium Chloride:
Preparation: By dissolving MgCO3 in dil. HCl
MgCO3 + 2HCl  MgCl2 + H2O + CO2
Properties:
(i) It crystallises as hexahydrate. MgCl2. 6H2O
(ii) It is deliquescent solid.
(iii) This hydrate undergoes hydrolysis as follows:
MgCl2·6H2O  Mg(OH)Cl + HCl + 5H2O
Mg(OH)Cl  MgO + HCl
** Hence, Anh. MgCl2 cannot be prepared by heating this hydrate.
** Because of this formation of HCl. Sea water cannot be used in marine boilers which corrodes the iron
body.
(iv) Anhydrous MgCl2 can be prepared by heating a double salt like. MgCl2 . NH4Cl . 6H2O as follows:
 H 2O strong
MgCl2 . NH4Cl . 6H2O   MgCl2 . NH4Cl  MgCl2 + NH3 + HCl
 
Sorel Cement: It is a mixture of MgO and MgCl2 (paste like) which set to hard mass on standing. This is used
in dental filling, flooring etc.

Calcium Chloride:
(i) It is the by-product in solvay process.
(ii) It may also be prepared by dissolving the carbonate in HCl
CaCO3 + 2HCl  CaCl2 + H2O + CO2
Properties:
(i) It is deliquescent crystals.
(ii) It gets hydrolysed like MgCl2 hence anhydrous CaCl2 cannot be prepared.
CaCl2 + H2O l CaO + 2HCl
Hence, anh CaCl2 is prepared by heating CaCl2. 6H2O in a current of HCl (dry)
(iii) Anh. CaCl2 is used in drying gases and organic compounds but not NH3 or alcohol due to the formation
of CaCl2 . 8NH3 and CaCl2 . 4C2H5OH.

s-Block Elements [11]

 SULPHATES
Sodium Sulphate:
Preparation:
It is formed in the 1st step of leblanc process by heating common salt with sulphuric acid.
2NaCl + H2SO4  Na2SO4 + 2HCl
Thus the salt cake formed is crystallised out from its aqueous solution as Na2SO4 . 10H2O. This
called as Glauber's salt.
** One interesting feature of the solubility of glauber's salt is; when crystallised at below 32.4°C, then
Na2SO4. 10H2O is obtained but above 32.4°C, Na2SO4 (anh.) comes out.

Properties: It is reduced to Na2S when fused with carbon.

Na2SO4 + 4C  Na2S + 4CO
Uses: It is used in medicine.

Potassium Sulphate:
It occurs in stassfurt potash beds as schonite K 2 SO 4 · MgSO 4 · 6H 2 O and Kainite,
KCl · MgSO4 · 3H2O from which it is obtained by solution in water and crystallisation. It separates from
the solution as anh, crystals whereas Na2SO4 comes as decahydrate.

Uses: It is used to prepare alumn.

Magnesium Sulphate:
Preparation:
(i) It is obtained by dissolving kieserite. MgSO4. H2O in boiling water and then crystallising the solution as
a hepta hydrate. i.e. MgSO4. 7H2O. It is called as Epsom salt.
(ii) It is also obtained by dissolving magnesite in hot dil. H2SO4.
MgCO3 + H2SO4  MgSO4 + H2O + CO2
(iii) or by dissolving dolomite (CaCO3, MgCO3) in hot dil. H2SO4 and removing the insoluble CaSO4 by
filtration.
(iv) It is isomorphous with FeSO4. 7H2O, ZnSO4.7H2O

Calcium Sulphate: It occurs as anhydrite CaSO4 and as the dihydrate CaSO4. 2H2O, gypsum, alabaster or
satin-spar.
Properties:
(i) Gypsum (CaSO4. 2H2O) 2CaSO4. H2O (Plaster of paris)

(anhydrous)CaSO4.
Dead burnt. plaster
(ii) Solubility of CaSO4 at first increases upto a certain point and then decreases with rise of temperature.
(iii) Plaster paris is used in mould making due to its porous body.

s-Block Elements [12]

 Question Bank on s-block elements
Q.1 Cs+ ions impart violet colour to Bunsen flame. This is due to the fact that the emitted radiations are of
(A) high energy (B) lower frequencies
(C) longer wave-lengths (D) zero wave number

Q.2 The compound(s) of alkaline earth metals, which are amphoteric in nature is/are
(A) BeO (B) MgO (C) Be(OH)2 (D) Mg(OH)2

Q.3 An alkaline earth metal (M) gives a salt with chlorine, which is soluble in water at room temperature. It
also forms an insoluble sulphate whose mixture with a sulphide of a transition metal is called ‘lithopone’
-a white pigment. Metal M is
(A) Ca (B) Mg (C) Ba (D) Sr

Q.4 The reaction of an element A with water produces combustible gas B and an aqueous solution of C.
When another substance D reacts with this solution C also produces the same gas B. D also produces
the same gas even on reaction with dilute H2SO4 at room temperature. Element A imparts golden yellow
colour to Bunsen flame. Then, A, B, C and D may be identified as
(A) Na, H2, NaOH and Zn (B) K, H2, KOH and Zn
(C) K, H2, NaOH and Zn (D) Ca, H2, CaCOH2 and Zn

Q.5 The hydroxide of alkaline earth metal, which has the lowest value of solubility product (Ksp) at normal
temperature (25°C) is
(A) Ca(OH)2 (B) Mg(OH)2 (C) Sr(OH)2 (D) Be(OH)2

Q.6 The correct statement is/are

(A) BeCl2 is a covalent compound (B) BeCl2 is an electron deficient molecule
(C) BeCl2 can form dimer (D) the hybrid state of Be in BeCl2 is sp2

K CrO / H 
Q.7 (Yellow ppt) T 2  
4
 X dil
. HCl

 Y(Yellow ppt)  Z  (pungent smelling gas)
If X gives green flame test. Then, X is
(A) MgSO4 (B) BaS2O3 (C) CuSO4 (D) PbS2O3

Q.8 Which of the following carbonate of alkali metals has the least thermal stability?
(A) Li2CO3 (B) K2CO3 (C) Cs2CO3 (D) Na2CO3

Q.9 The ‘milk of magnesia’ used as an antacid is chemically

(A) Mg(OH)2 (B) MgO (C) MgCl2 (D) MgO + MgCl2

Q.10 The alkali metals which form normal oxide, peroxide as well as super oxides are
(A) Na, Li (B) K, Li (C) Li, Cs (D) K, Rb

Q.11 The pair of compounds, which cannot exist together in a solution is

(A) NaHCO3 and NaOH (B) Na2CO3 and NaOH
(C) NaHCO3 and Na2CO3 (D) NaHCO3 and H2O

s-Block Elements [13]

Q.12 Mg2C3 + H2O  X (organic compound). Compound X is
(A) C2H2 (B) CH4 (C) propyne (D) ethene

Q.13 The hydration energy of Mg2+ is

(A) more than that of Mg3+ ion (B) more than that of Na+ ion
(C) more than that of Al3+ ion (D) more than that of Be2+ ion

Q.14 The golden yellow colour associated with NaCl to Bunsen flame can be explained on the basis of
(A) low ionisation potential of sodium (B) emission spectrum
(C) photosensitivity of sodium (D) sublimation of metallic sodium of yellow vapours

Q.15 Solution of sodium metal in liquid ammonia is a strong reducing agent due to presence of
(A) solvated sodium ions (B) solvated hydrogen ions
(C) sodium atoms or sodium hydroxide (D) solvated electrons

Q.16 The order of solubility of lithium halides in non-polar solvents follows the order
(A) LiI > LiBr > LiCl > LiF (B) LiF > LiI > LiBr > LiCl
(C) LiCl > LiF > LiI > LiBr (D) LiBr > LiCl > LiF > LiI

Q.17 The salt which finds uses in qualitative inorganic analysis is

(A) CuSO4·5H2O or ZnSO4·5H2O (B) K2SO4·Al2(SO4)3·24H2O
(C) Na(NH4)HPO4·4H2O (D) FeSO4·(NH4)2SO4·6H2O

Q.18 Fire extinguishers contain

(A) conc. H2SO4 solution (B) H2SO4 and NaHCO3 solutions
(C) NaHCO3 solution (D) CaCO3 solution

Q.19 CsBr3 contains

(A) Cs–Br covalent bonds (B) Cs3+ and Br– ions
(C) Cs+ and Br3– ions (D) Cs3+ and Br33– ions

Q.20 KO2 finds use in oxygen cylinders used for space and submarines. The fact(s) related to such use of
KO2 is/are
(A) it produces O2 (B) it produces O3
(C) it absorbs CO2 (D) it absorbs both CO and CO2

Q.21 The compound(s) which have –O–O– bond(s) is/are

(A) BaO2 (B) Na2O2 (C) CrO5 (D) Fe2O3

High temperature CO in
Q.22 Na + Al2O3     X 2 Y; compound Y is
water
(A) NaAlO2 (B) NaHCO3 (C) Na2CO3 (D) Na2O2

Q.23 The correct order of second ionisation potentials (IP) of Ca, Ba and K is
(A) K > Ca > Ba (B) Ba > Ca > K (C) K > Ba > Ca (D) K = Ba = Ca

s-Block Elements [14]

Q.24 EDTA is used in the estimation of
(A) Mg2+ ions (B) Ca2+ ions
(C) both Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions (D) Mg2+ ions but not Ca2+ ions

Q.25 Highly pure dilute solution of sodium in ammonia

(A) shows blue colouration due to solvated electrons
(B) shows electrical conductivity due to both solvated electrons as well as solvated sodium ions
(C) shows red colouration due to solvated electrons but a bad conductor of electricity
(D) produces hydrogen gas or carbonate

Q.26 aq. NaOH + P4 (white)  PH3 + X; compound X is

(A) NaH2PO2 (B) NaHPO4 (C) Na2CO3 (D) NaHCO3

Q.27 The correct order of solubility is

(A) CaCO3 < KHCO3 < NaHCO3 (B) KHCO3 < CaCO3 < NaHCO3
(C) NaHCO3 < CaCO3 < KHCO3 (D) CaCO3 < NaHCO3 < KHCO3

Q.28 The complex formation tendency of alkaline earth metals decreases down the group because
(A) atomic size increases (B) availability of empty d and f-orbitals increases
(C) nuclear charge to volume ratio increases (D) all the above

Q.29 The alkaline earth metals, which do not impart any colour to Bunsen flame are
(A) Be and Mg (B) Mg and Ca (C) Be and Ca (D) Be and Ba

 , 205C
Q.30 Y   CaSO4·2H2O  ,120C
 X. X and Y are respectively
(A) plaster of paris, dead burnt plaster (B) dead burnt plaster, plaster of paris
(C) CaO and plaster of paris (D) plaster of paris, mixture of gases

Q.31 A metal M readily forms water soluble sulphate, and water insoluble hydroxide M(OH)2. Its oxide MO
is amphoteric, hard and having high melting point. The alkaline earth metal M must be
(A) Mg (B) Be (C) Ca (D) Sr

Q.32 When K2O is added to water, the solution becomes basic in nature because it contains a significant
concentration of
(A) K+ (B) O2– (C) OH– (D) O22–

Na CO K CrO
Q.33 ( White ppt) D 23 A 2 4  B(Yellow ppt)
( in acetic acid)
dil. H 2SO 4 
C( White ppt)

If A is the metallic salt, then the white ppt. of D must be of

(A) stronsium carbonate (B) red lead
(C) barium carbonate (D) calcium carbonate

s-Block Elements [15]

 CO
Q.34 (Milky Cloud) C  2 A + Na2CO3 —C
The chemical formulae of A and B are
(A) NaOH and Ca(OH)2 (B) Ca(OH)2 and NaOH
(C) NaOH and CaO (D) CaO and Ca(OH)2

Q.35 An aqueous solution of an halogen salt of potassium reacts with same halogen X2 to give KX3, a brown
coloured solution, in which halogen exists as X3– ion, X2 as a Lewis acid and X– as a Lewis base,
halogen X is
(A) chlorine (B) bromine (C) iodine (D) fluorine

Q.36 The correct order of basic-strength of oxides of alkaline earth metals is

(A) BeO > MgO > CaO > SrO (B) SrO > CaO > MgO > BeO
(C) BeO > CaO > MgO > SrO (D) SrO > MgO > CaO > BeO

Q.37 Which of the following compounds are paramagnetic in nature?

(A) KO2 (B) K2O2 (C) Na2O2 (D) RbO2

Q.38 The order of melting point of chlorides of alkali metals is

(A) LiCl > NaCl > KCl < CsCl (B) LiCl > NaCl > KCl > CsCl
(C) NaCl > KCl > CsCl > LiCl (D) LiCl > NaCl > CsCl > KCl

Q.39 NaOH(Solid) + CO 200C

  X; product X is
(A) NaHCO3 (B) Na2CO3 (C) HCOONa (D) H2CO3

N , H O
Q.40 X 2 Y 
2
 Z(colourless gas) CuSO
  T (blue colour)
4

Then, substances Y and T are

(A) Y = Mg3N2 and T = CuSO4·5H2O (B) Y = Mg3N2 and T = CuSO4·4NH3
(C) Y = Mg(NO3)2 and T = CuO (D) Y = MgO and T = CuSO4·4NH3

Q.41 Weakest base among KOH, NaOH, Ca(OH)2 and Zn(OH)2 is

(A) Ca(OH)2 (B) KOH (C) NaOH (D) Zn(OH)2

Q.42 If X and Y are the second ionisation potentials of alkali and alkaline earth metals of same period, then
(A) X > Y (B) X < Y (C) X = Y (D) X << Y

Q.43 The aqueous solutions of lithium salts are poor conductor of electricity rather than other alkali metals
because of
(A) high ionisation energy
(B) high electronegativity
(C) lower ability of Li+ ions to polarize water molecules
(D) higher degree of hydration of Li+ ions

Q.44 Sodium metal is highly reactive and cannot be stored under

(A) toluene (B) kerosene oil (C) alcohol (D) benzene

s-Block Elements [16]

Q.45 Which of the following substance(s) is/are used in laboratory for drying purposes?
(A) anhydrous P2O5 (B) graphite (C) anhydrous CaCl2 (D) Na3PO4

Q.46 Nitrogen dioxide cannot be prepared by heating

(A) KNO3 (B) AgNO3 (C) Pb(NO3)2 (D) Cu(NO3)2

Q.47 In LiAlH4, metal Al is present in

(A) anionic part (B) cationic part
(C) in both anionic and cationic part (D) neither in cationic nor in anionic part

CoCl
Q.48 X 2  CaCl2 + Y ; the effective ingredient of X is
(A) OCl– (B) Cl– (C) OCl+ (D) OCl2–

Q.49 Which one of the following fluoride of alkali metals has the highest lattice energy?
(A) LiF (B) CsF (C) NaF (D) KF

Q.50 Crown ethers and cryptands form

(A) complexes with alkali metals
(B) salts of alkali metals
(C) hydroxides of alkali metals used for inorganic quantitative analysis
(D) organic salts of alkali metals

Q.51 White heavy precipitates are formed when BaCl2 is added to a clear solution of compound A. Precipitates
are insoluble in dilute HCl. Then, the compound A is
(A) a bicarbonate (B) a carbonate (C) a sulphate (D) a chloride

Q.52 Among MgCl2, RbCl, BeCl2 and LiCl, the compouds with the highest and the lowest % of ionic characters
are
(A) MgCl2 and BeCl2 (B) RbCl and BeCl2 (C) BeCl2 and MgCl2 (D) RbCl and LiCl

Q.53 X  C  Cl 2 High
 temperatur e
  Y  CO ; Y  2H 2 O  Z  2HCl
of about 1000 K

Compound Y is found in polymeric chain structure and is an electron deficient molecule. Y must be
(A) BeO (B) BeCl2 (C) BeH2 (D) AlCl3

Q.54 The correct order of degree of hydration of M+ ions of alkali metals is

(A) Li+ < K+ < Na+ < Rb+ < Cs+ (B) Li+ < Na+ < K+ < Rb+ < Cs+
(C) Cs+ < Rb+ < K+ < Na+ < Li+ (D) Cs+ < Rb+ < Na+ < K+ < Li+

Q.55 BeCl2 + LiAlH4  X + LiCl + AlCl3

(A) X is LiH (B) X is BeH2
(C) X is BeCl2·2H2O (D) None

Q.56 The order of thermal stability of carbonates of IIA group is

(A) BaCO3 > SrCO3 > CaCO3 > MgCO3 (B) MgCO3 > CaCO3 > SrCO3 > BaCO3
(C) CaCO3 > SrCO3 > BaCO3 > MgCO3 (D) MgCO3 = CaCO3 > SrCO3 = BaCO3

s-Block Elements [17]

Q.57 A pair of substances which gives the same products on reaction with water is
(A) Mg and MgO (B) Sr and SrO (C) Ca and CaH2 (D) Be and BeO

Q.58 Na2SO4 is water soluble but BaSO4 is insoluble because

(A) the hydration energy of Na2SO4 is higher than that of its lattice energy
(B) the hydration energy of Na2SO4 is less than that of its lattice energy
(C) the hydration energy of BaSO4 is less than that of its lattice energy
(D) the hydration energy of BaSO4 is higher than that of its lattice energy

Q.59 Which of the following is not a anomalous property of lithium?

(A) Hydrated lithium ion is the largest among alkali metals
(B) The melting and boiling points of lithium are comparatively high
(C) Lithium is softer than that of other alkali metals
(D) The ionisation potential and electronegativity of lithium are higher than those of other alkali metals

Q.60 The incorrect statement(s) is/are

(A) Mg cannot form complexes
(B) Be can form complexes due to a very small atomic size
(C) the first ionisation potential of Be is higher than that of Mg
(D) Mg forms an alkaline hydroxide while Be forms amphoteric oxides

Q.61 The commercial method of preparation of potassium by reduction of molten KCl with metallic sodium at
850°C is based on the fact that
(A) potassium is solid and sodium distils off at 850 °C
(B) potassium being more volatile and distils off thus shifting the reaction forward
(C) sodium is more reactive than potassium at 850 °C
(D) sodium has less affinity to chloride ions in the presence of potassium ion

Q.62 Be2C + H2O  BeO + X

CaC2 + H2O  Ca(OH)2 + Y; then X and Y are respectively
(A) CH4, CH4 (B) CH4, C2H6 (C) CH4, C2H2 (D) C2H2, CH4

Q.63 Which of the following statements are false?

(A) BeCl2 is a linear molecule in the vapour state but it is polymeric form in the solid state
(B) Calcium hydride is called hydrolith.
(C) Carbides of both Be and Ca react with water to form acetylene
(D) Oxides of both Be and Ca are amphoteric.

Q.64 Which of the following are ionic carbides?

(A) CaC2 (B) Al4C3 (C) SiC (D) Be2C

Q.65 Which of the following groups of elements have chemical properties that are most similar
(A) Na, K, Ca (B) Mg, Sr, Ba (C) Be, Al, Ca (D) Be, Ra, Cs

Q.66 MgBr2 and MgI2 are soluble in acetone because of

(A) Their ionic nature (B) Their coordinate nature
(C) Their metallic nature (D) Their covalent nature

s-Block Elements [18]

Q.67 Which of the following is not the characteristic of barium?
(A) It emits electrons on exposure to light
(B) It is a silvery white metal
(C) It forms Ba(NO3)2 which is used in preparation of green fire
(D) Its ionization potential is lower than radium.

Question No. 68 to 75
Questions given below consist of two statements each printed as Assertion (A) and Reason (R); while
answering these questions you are required to choose any one of the following four responses:
(A) if both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
(B) if both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not correct explanation of (A)
(C) if (A) is true but (R) is false
(D) if (A) is false and (R) is true
Q.68 Assertion : Beryllium does not impart any characteristic colour to the bunsen flame.
Reason : Due to its very high ionization energy, beryllium requires a large amount of energy for
exciation of the electrons.

Q.69 Assertion : In fused state, calcium chloride cannot be used to dry alcohol or NH3.
Reason : Anhy. CaCl2 is not a good desiccant.

Q.70 Assertion : Diagonal relationship is shown between Be and Al.

Reason : Ionization potential of Be is almost the same as that of Al.

Q.71 Assertion : Beryllium halides dissolve in organic solvents.

Reason : Beryllium halides are ionic in character.

Q.72 Assertion : BeCl2 fumes in moist air.

Reason : BeCl2 reacts with moisture to form HCl gas.

Q.73 Assertion : Calcium carbide on hydrolysis gives methane.

Reason : Calcium carbide contains C22– anion.

Q.74 Assertion : When CO2 is passed through lime water, it first turns milky and then the solution becomes
clear when the passage of CO2 is continued.
Reason : The milkiness is due to the formation of insoluble CaCO3 which then changes to soluble
Ca(HCO3)2 when excess of CO2 is present.

Q.75 Assertion : MgCO3 is soluble in water when a current of CO2 is passed.

Reason : The solubility of MgCO3 is due to the formation of Mg(HCO3)2.

IIT JEE ASKED QUESTION

Q.76 The compound(s) formed upon combustion of sodium metal in excess air is (are) [JEE 2009]
(A) Na2O2 (B) Na2O (C) NaO2 (D) NaOH

s-Block Elements [19]

 ANSWER KEY
Q.1 A Q.2 A,C Q.3 C Q.4 A Q.5 D

Q.6 A,B,C Q.7 B Q.8 A Q.9 A Q.10 D

Q.11 A Q.12 C Q.13 B Q.14 A Q.15 D

Q.16 A Q.17 C Q.18 B Q.19 C Q.20 A,C

Q.21 A,B,C Q.22 C Q.23 A Q.24 C Q.25 A,B

Q.26 A Q.27 D Q.28 A Q.29 A Q.30 A

Q.31 B Q.32 C Q.33 C Q.34 B Q.35 C

Q.36 B Q.37 A,D Q.38 C Q.39 C Q.40 B

Q.41 D Q.42 A Q.43 D Q.44 C Q.45 A,C

Q.46 A Q.47 A Q.48 A Q.49 A Q.50 A

Q.51 C Q.52 B Q.53 B Q.54 C Q.55 B

Q.56 A Q.57 C Q.58 A,C Q.59 C Q.60 A

Q.61 B Q.62 C Q.63 C,D Q.64 A,B,D Q.65 B

Q.66 D Q.67 A Q.68 A Q.69 C Q.70 A

Q.71 C Q.72 A Q.73 D Q.74 A Q.75 A

Q.76 A,B

s-Block Elements [20]