Question

Consider the following:
Statement-I: Both BeSO$_4$ and MgSO$_4$ are readily soluble in water.
Statement-II: Among the nitrates of alkaline earth metals, only Be(NO$_3$)$_2$ on strong heating gives its oxide, NO$_2$, and O$_2$.
The correct answer is

• A. Both Statement-I and statement-II are correct.
• B. Statement-I is correct, but statement-II is not correct.
• C. Statement-I is not correct, but statement-II is correct.
• D. Both statement-I and statement-II are not correct.

Hint:

BeSO$_4$ and MgSO$_4$ are soluble. All alkaline earth nitrates decompose to oxides, NO$_2$, and O$_2$ on heating.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Statement I: BeSO$_4$ and MgSO$_4$ are readily soluble in water due to the high hydration enthalpy of the smaller Be$^{2+}$ and Mg$^{2+}$ ions, which overcomes their lattice enthalpy. This statement is correct. Statement II: All nitrates of alkaline earth metals decompose on heating to give their corresponding oxides, NO$_2$, and O$_2$. So, this statement is incorrect. It's not exclusive to Be(NO$_3$)$_2$.