Question

Which of the following compounds is the most soluble in water?

• A. \( \text{NaCl} \)
• B. \( \text{CaSO}_4 \)
• C. \( \text{BaSO}_4 \)
• D. \( \text{AgCl} \)

Hint:

The solubility of ionic compounds in water depends on the strength of the ion-dipole interactions and the lattice energy of the compound.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Sodium chloride (\( \text{NaCl} \)) is an ionic compound that dissolves easily in water due to the strong ion-dipole interactions between its ions and water molecules. In contrast, \( \text{CaSO}_4 \), \( \text{BaSO}_4 \), and \( \text{AgCl} \) have much lower solubility in water, with \( \text{BaSO}_4 \) and \( \text{AgCl} \) being nearly insoluble. Therefore, the most soluble compound in water is \( \text{NaCl} \), corresponding to option (1).