Question:

Among the following alkaline earth metal halides, one which is covalent and soluble in organic solvents is

Updated On: Nov 13, 2025
  • Beryllium chloride

  • Calcium chloride

  • Strontium chloride

  • Magnesium chloride

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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

To determine which of the given alkaline earth metal halides is covalent and soluble in organic solvents, we need to evaluate the properties of these halides:

  1. Beryllium Chloride (BeCl2): Beryllium chloride is known to be a covalent compound due to the small size and high charge density of the Be2+ ion. It forms polymeric chains in the solid state and can dissolve in organic solvents.
  2. Calcium Chloride (CaCl2): Calcium chloride is ionic in nature. It is highly soluble in water but not in organic solvents due to its ionic character.
  3. Strontium Chloride (SrCl2): Strontium chloride is also ionic and typically soluble in water rather than organic solvents.
  4. Magnesium Chloride (MgCl2): Magnesium chloride is ionic and highly soluble in water. It does not exhibit significant solubility in organic solvents.

Based on the above analysis, the compound that is covalent and soluble in organic solvents is Beryllium Chloride (BeCl2), not Strontium Chloride. The initial correct answer provided appears to be incorrect based on the criteria of covalency and solubility in organic solvents.

The concept revolves around the polarizing power of small cations with high charge density, which leads to covalent character. Beryllium, being a small cation with a high charge density, polarizes the electron cloud of the chloride ion, resulting in covalent character.

In conclusion, the correct answer should be Beryllium Chloride (BeCl2) as it fits the criteria of being covalent and soluble in organic solvents.

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Concepts Used:

Group 1 Elements

Group one of alkali metals is s-block elements with just one electron in their s-orbital. They are are alkali metals. They are named so because of the alkaline nature of the hydroxides and oxides.

Alkali metals are characterized by one s-electron in the valence shell of their atoms.

Alkali metals have a corresponding [Noble gas] ns1 electronic configuration. They occupy the first column of the periodic table. Alkali elements are:

  • Lithium(Li)
  • Sodium(Na)
  • Potassium (K)
  • Rubidium (Ru)
  • Cesium (Cs)
  • Francium (Fr)

They have occupied successive periods from first to seven. Francium is a radioactive element with very low half-life.

Electronic Configuration:

  • Alkali metals have one electron in their valence shell.
  • The electronic configuration is given by ns1. For example, the electronic configuration of lithium is given by 1ns1 2ns1.
  • They tend to lose the outer shell electron to form cations with charge +1 (monovalent ions).

This makes them the most electropositive elements and due to the same reason, they are not found in the pure state.