Chemistry : s-Block Elements ALLEN®

Pre-Medical

Chapter No. 03
s-BLOCK ELEMENTS

S.No. Contents Page

01. Physical properties 119
02. Chemical properties 122
03. Chemistry of lighter elements 128
04. Exercise-I (Conceptual Questions) 132
05.
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Exercise-II (Previous Years Questions) 135
06. Exercise-III (Analytical Questions) 136
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NEET SYLLABUS
s–BLOCK ELEMENTS (Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metals) : Group I and group II elements:
General introduction, electronic configuration, occurrence, anomalous properties of the first element of each group,
diagonal relationship, trends in the variation of properties (such as ionization enthalpy, atomic and ionic radii), trends in
chemical reactivity with oxygen, water, hydrogen and halogens; uses. Preparation and Properties of Some important
Compounds: Sodium carbonate, sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide and sodium hydrogencarbonate, biological importance
of sodium and potassium. Industrial use of lime and limestone, biological importance of Mg and Ca.

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OBJECTIVES
After studying this unit, you will be able to :
• describe the general characteristics of the alkali metals and their compounds;
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• explain the general characteristics of the alkaline earth metals and their compounds;
• describe the manufacture, properties and uses of industrially important sodium and calcium compounds
including Portland cement
• appreciate the biological significance of sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium.
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If human condition were the periodic table, may be love would be hydrogen at number 1. Death would be helium at number 2.

David Mitchell
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s-BLOCK ELEMENTS
3.0 INTRODUCTION
The s-block elements of the Periodic Table are those in which the last electron enters the outermost s-
orbital. As the s-orbital can accommodate only two electrons, two groups (1 & 2) belong to the s-block of
the Periodic Table. Group 1 of the Periodic table consists of the elements: Lithium, Sodium, Potassium,
Rubidium, Caesium and Francium. They are collectively known as the alkali metals. These are so called
because they form hydroxides on reaction with water which are strongly alkaline in nature. The elements of
Group 2 include Beryllium, Magnesium, Calcium, Strontium, Barium and Radium. These elements with the
exception of beryllium are commonly known as the alkaline earth metals. These are so called because
their oxides and hydroxides are alkaline in nature and these metal oxides are found in the earth's crust.
3.1 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF s-BLOCK ELEMENTS
The physical and chemical properties of s-block elements are discussed below.

physical properties of s-Block Elements

ALKALI METALS ALKALINE EARTH METALS
Physical state
 One electron in outermost shell & General  Two electrons in outer most shell & General
formula ns1. formula ns2.
 Francium is radioactive element. EN  Radium is radioactive element.
 All are silvery white  All are silvery white.
 Light soft, malleable and ductile metals with  These metals are harder than alkali metals.
metallic lustre.

ALKALI METALS ALKALINE EARTH METALS

Atomic size
 Largest in their respective period (except noble  Smaller than IA group elements, since extra
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gas element) charge on nucleus attracts the electron cloud.
 Size increases from Li to Cs due to addition of  Size increases gradually from Be to Ba
an extra shell. Be < Mg < Ca < Sr < Ba
Li < Na < K < Rb < Cs In s-block elements
IA IIA Be has smallest size, while Cs has largest size.
Li Be
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Na Mg
K Ca
 
Rb Sr
 
Cs Ba

ALKALI METALS ALKALINE EARTH METALS

Softness
 Alkali metals are soft because of -  These metals are slightly harder than IA group
(a) Large atomic size because of -
(b) Weak metallic bond (a) Smaller atomic size
 Cs is the softest metal in s-block (b) Stronger metallic bond due to presence of
two electrons in valence shell.
 Be is the hardest metal in s-block.

1
Strength of metallic bond   Number of valence shell e – 
Atomic size

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ALKALI METALS ALKALINE EARTH METALS

Ionisation energy (I.E.)
 First ionisation energy (I.E.) is very less because  First ionisation energy is higher than IA group
of larger atomic size and only one electron in because of smaller atomic size and completely
outer most shell. filled s-orbital (stable electronic configuration)
 Decreasing order of ionisation energy-  Decreasing order of ionisation energy–
Li > Na > K > Rb > Cs Be > Mg > Ca > Sr > Ba
 Second ionisation energy of alkali metals is very  Second ionisation energy is lesser than IA group.
high because by loosing one electron they
achieve inert gas configuration.

ALKALI METALS ALKALINE EARTH METALS

Oxidation state
 The alkali metals shows only + 1 oxidation  Alkaline earth metal shows +2. Oxidation state
state. (difference between IE1 and IE2 > 16eV) (difference between IE1 and IE2 < 11eV)

ALKALI METALS ALKALINE EARTH METALS

Electro positive character or metallic character
 Electropositivity  1/Ionisation energy  Their atomic size is smaller than IA group so
Due to their larger size electron can easily be
EN these are lesser electro positive than IA group.
removed to form M+ ion. Electro positive Electropositivity increases from Be to Ba
property increases from Li to Cs.

ALKALI METALS ALKALINE EARTH METALS

Conductivity
 Due to the presence of loosely held valence  These are also good conductor of heat and
electrons which are free to move in a metal electricity due to presence of two free electrons.
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structure, these elements are good conductor of Conductivity of IA < IIA
heat and electricity.

ALKALI METALS ALKALINE EARTH METALS

Flame test
 Alkali metals and their salts gives characteristic  Due to small size of Be & Mg outer most
colour to bunsen flame. The flame energy electrons are tightly bounded. So not excited to
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causes an excitation of the outer most electron higher level, hence they do not give flame test.
which on returning back to ground state emits
 Other elements gives characteristic colour to
absorbed energy as a visible light
flame
Li-Crimson red,
Ca-Brick red,
Na-Golden yellow,
Sr-Crimson red,
K-Violet, Ba-apple green
Rb-Red violet,
Cs-Blue

ALKALI METALS ALKALINE EARTH METALS

Photo electric effect
 Atomic size of K, Rb and Cs is quite large, so  These elements do not show this property as their
their ionisation energy is very low atomic size is small hence ionisation energy is
  Due to very low ionisation energy their valence higher than IA group.
shell electrons gets excited even by absorbing
visible light. That's why Cs is used in photoelectric
cells.

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Illustrations
Illustration 1. The s-block elements of the periodic table are those in which the last electron enters the s-
subshell of the _________ shell.
(1) penultimate (2) antipenultimate (3) outermost (4) None
Solution. Ans. (3)
Last electron, also called differentiating electron, enters the s-orbital of the last shell. Thus, their
general valence shell electron configuration is ns1–2.

Illustration 2. The radioactive s-block elements are–

(1) Ra and Ba (2) Ra and Fr (3) Fr and Cs (4) Rb and Sr
Solution. Ans. (2)

Illustration 3. The second ionization energy (IE2) of alkali metals is –

(1) very low (2) low (3) high (4) very high
Solution. Ans. (4)
Because the electron is to be removed off from the noble gas electronic configuration of
unipositive ions.
Illustration 4. All the alkali metals and their salts (particularly chlorides due to their more volatile nature)
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impart a characteristic color to the flame of Bunsen burner. Which of the following imparts
golden yellow color in a flame test?
(1) Li (2) K (3) Na (4) Cs
Solution. Ans. (3)

Illustration 5. Second Group of the periodic table consists of six elements. Except _________, they are
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commonly known as alkaline earth metals or, simply, alkaline earths.
(1) Be (2) Mg (3) Ca (4) Sr
Solution. Ans. (1)
The name alkaline earth metals was given to Mg, Ca, Ba, and Sr because their oxides are
alkaline in nature, remain unaffected by heat or fire, and exist in the earth's crust.
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Illustration 6. Which of the following is a correct statement?

(1) The first and second ionization enthalpies of group 2 elements are greater that those of
group 1 elements.
(2) The first and second ionization enthalpies of group 2 elements are smaller that those of
group 1 elements.
(3) The first ionization enthalpy of group 2 elements is greater but the second ionization
enthalpy is smaller than that of group 1 elements.
(4) The first ionization enthalpy of group 2 elements is smaller but the second ionization
enthalpy is greater than these of group 1 elements.
Solution. Ans. (3)

Illustration 7. Which of the following is incorrect ?

(1) Alkaline earth metals like alkali metals have high electrical and thermal conductivities.
(2) Alkaline earth metals are more electropositive (or metallic) than alkali metals.
(3) The electropositive (metallic) character of alkaline earth metals increases down the group.
(4) None of these
Solution. Ans. (2)

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BEGINNER'S BOX-1
1. As compared to potassium, sodium has
(1) Lower electronegativity (2) Higher ionization potential
(3) Larger atomic radius (4) Lower melting point
2. Which of the following statement is correct regarding alkali metals
(1) Cation acquire the electronic configuration of halogen atom
(2) Cation is smaller in size than the parent atom
(3) Size of cation and parent atom is the same
(4) Cation is greater in size than the parent atom
3. Number of valence electron in alkali metals is
(1) 1 (2) 7 (3) 4 (4) 2
4. Which of the following alkali metals is smallest in size
(1) Rb (2) K (3) Na (4) Li
5. Which of the following is the smallest cation
(1) Na+ (2) Mg+2 (3) Ca+2 (4) Al+3
6. Which alkali metal has most metallic character
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(1) K (2) Cs (3) Na (4) Li

Chemical properties of s-block elements

Reactivity
 These elements are very reactive, so do not  Less reactive than alkali metals.
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found in free state in nature. Order of reactivitity :-
Reactivity 1/Ionisation potential  Be < Mg < Ca < Sr < Ba
order of reactivity – Li < Na < K < Rb < Cs

Reaction with air

 Alkali metals gets tarnish in air due to the
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 Except Be,these metals easily tarnished in air.

formation of oxide at their surface hence they
are kept in kerosene or paraffin wax.  Beryllium in powdered form, burns brilliantly on
 These elements reacts with moist air to form ignition in air.
carbonates  In moist air, except Be all the elements converts
4Na + O2  2Na2O into carbonates.
Na2O + H2O 2NaOH  In dry air all alkaline earth metals give nitride and
(moist) oxide
2NaOH + CO2 Na2CO3 + H2O
(in air)
In dry air only Li gives nitride and oxide both
while other elements gives only oxides.

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Reaction with oxygen
Oxide ion [O2–] :  Alkaline earth metals reacts with O2 to form
 Li forms mainly Li2O (Lithium oxide). 'MO' type oxides
Peroxide [O2—2] : (M = Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba)
 But Ca, Sr and Ba due to low ionisation
 Na reacts with O2 to form mainly peroxide
potential and more reactivity, form MO2
(Na2O2).
Peroxide) at low temperature.
Super oxide [O2–] :
Ex. CaO2, SrO2, BaO2
 K, Rb and Cs forms MO2 type oxides (super  BeO shows amphoteric property.
oxides) in excess of oxygen. Super oxides are
  MgO  weak basic
paramagnetic and coloured.
CaO, SrO & BaO  Strong basic
I3 M 
O2
 M2 O 
O2
 M2 O2 
O2
 MO2
Oxide Peroxide Super oxide
 Basic properties increases from BeO to BaO.
(Li2O) (Na2O2) (KO2, RbO2, CsO2)
 Stability order of different oxide of a metal is
Normal oxide > Peroxide > Superoxide

 Alkali metals combine with H2 forming ionic

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Reaction with hydrogen
 Except Be all the alkaline metals forms MH2
type hydrides, (MgH2, CaH2, SrH2, BaH2) on
hydrides
heating directly with H2
2M + H2  2MH  BeH2 is prepared by action of BeCl2 with LiAlH4
 Hydrides of alkali metals are attacked by water 2BeCl2 + LiAlH4  2BeH2 + LiCl + AlCl3
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to give back hydrogen reducing agent

MH + H2O  MOH + H2  BeH2 and MgH2 are covalent, other are ionic.

LiH, NaH, KH, RbH, CsH



Thermal stability decrease, Basic property increases
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Reaction with water

 Alkali metals react vigorously with water  These metals reacts slowly with water gives H2
forming hydroxides with the liberation of H2. and metals hydroxides.
2M + 2H2O  2MOH + H2 M + 2H2O  M(OH)2 + H2
 Reactivity with water increases from Li to Cs.
 Be does not reacts with water
Li  least reactive towards water
 Mg reacts only with hot water
Na  reacts vigorously
 Ca, Sr, Ba reacts with cold water but not as
K  reacts producing a flame
energetically as alkali metals.
Rb, Cs  reacts explosively.
 from Be(OH)2 to Ba(OH)2 basic nature increases.
 Monoxides gives strongly alkaline solution with water
M2O + H2O  2MOH

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Halides
 Alkali metals reacts directly with halogen to  Alkaline metals reacts with X (Halogen) to form MX2.
form MX (M – alkalimetal, X – Halide ion)  Order of Ionic nature
 Ionic nature of MX increases from LiCl to BeCl2 < MgCl2 < CaCl2 < SrCl2 < BaCl2
CsCl
 BeCl2 to MgCl2 are covalent in nature.
 K, Rb and Cs halides reacts with more
halogens to gives polyhalides.
KI  I2  KI3

CsBr + Br2  CsBr3

Carbonates
 All the alkali metals forms M2CO3 type  All the alkaline earth metals forms MCO3 type
carbonates. carbonates.
 Except Li2CO3, all the carbonates are stable  All the carbonates of alkaline earth metal decompose
towards heat on heating
 
Li2CO3 Li2O + CO2 EN BeCO3   BeO + CO2
 Thermal stability of carbonates  Decreasing order of thermal stability
1/polarisation BaCO3 > SrCO3 > CaCO3 > MgCO3 > BeCO3
  Decreasing order of thermal stability is
Cs2CO3 > Rb2CO3 > K2CO3 > Na2CO3 > Li2CO3
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Nitrates
 Alkali metals forms MNO3 type nitrates (M –  Alkaline earth metals forms M(NO3)2 type nitrates.
alkali metal) (M –Alkaline earth metal).
 Thermal stability increases from LiNO3 to  Thermal stability increases from Be(NO3)2 to
CsNO3. LiNO3 decompoes into Lithium Ba(NO3)2 but these are less stable than IA group,
oxide,NO2 and O2 on heating. (because Li has
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due to smaller atomic size.

high )

 All alkaline metals nitrates on heating gives metal
4LiNO3   2Li 2 O + 4NO2 + O2
Oxide oxide, NO2 and O2

 Other nitrates, on heating to give nitrite and M(NO3)2   MO + NO2 + O2
oxygen.
 Be(NO3)2 forms a layer of BeO on its surface so

MNO3   2MNO2  O2
low temp.
Nitrite reaction stops.
where M  Na, K, Rb, Cs

Nitrides
 Only Li reacts directly with N2 to form nitride  All alkaline earth metals burn in N2 to give M3N2
which gives NH3 on reacting with water. (Be3N2, Mg3N2)
6Li + N2  2Li3N Be3N2 + 6H2O 3Be(OH)2 + 2NH3
Li3N + 3H2O  3LiOH + NH3 Mg3N2 + 6H2O  3Mg(OH)2 + 2NH3

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Formation of amalgam
 Alkali metals gives amalgam with Hg.  Shows same properties.
 These metals reacts with other metals to give

mixed metals (alloys)

Sulphates
 Alkaline earth metals forms MSO4 type
 Alkali metals forms M2SO4 type sulphates.
sulphates.
 All alkali metal sulphates are ionic, order of  Order of ionic nature is
ionic nature is BeSO4 < MgSO4 < CaSO4 < SrSO4 < BaSO4
Li2SO4 < Na2SO4 < K2SO4 < Rb2SO4 < Cs2SO4

 Except lithium, sulphates of IA group reacts with

sulphates of trivalent metals like Fe+3, Cr+3, Al+3
etc. gives double salts called alum.
General formula of alum is
M2SO4.M'2(SO4)3.24H2O

where M - monovalent cation

M' - Trivalent cation
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All alums are isomorphous to each other.
The salt having same no. of water of crystalization
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Reaction with acids

 Reacts vigorously with acids.  Freely reacts with acids and displaces hydrogen
2M + H2SO4 M2SO4 + H2 M + 2HCl MCl2 + H2
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Solubility in liquid ammonia

 All the alkali metals dissolves in NH3 (liq.) and  Only Ca, Sr and Ba gives blue solution of
produces blue coloured solution. ammoniated electron.
 This blue solution conducts electricity and
 Be and Mg are small in size and have high
possesses strong reducing power, due to
presence of ammoniated electrons. ionisation energy so do not dissolves in liquid
  NH3.
M s    x  y  NH 3  M  NH3  x   e  NH3 y 
 
ammoniated ion ammoniated electron  Dark blue colour of solution becomes fade if it
 This dilute solution is paramagnetic in nature. is allowed to stand for a long time, it is because
of metal amide formation.
2Na  2NH3  2NaNH2  H2 
 Sodamide 
 On increasing the concentration of metal in
solution, it converts into bronze colour due to
cluster formation of metal ions.

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Illustrations
Illustration 1. Which of the following is the most powerful reducing agent in the gas phase?
(1) Cs (2) Li (3) K (4) Na
Solution. Ans. (1)
The tendency of an element to loose electrons in the gas phase is measured in terms of
ionization energy. Lower the IE, greater the tendency to loose electrons, stronger the reducing
character, and higher the reactivity of the element. Since IE decreases down the group,
reducing character (or reactivity in the gas phase) increases from Li to Cs.
Illustration 2. Chemically, group 1 elements are very reactive and tarnish rapidly in moist air due to the
formation of–
(1) oxides (2) hydroxides (3) carbonates (4) all of these
Solution. Ans. (4)
With O2(g), oxides are formed which in turn react with moisture in the air to form hydroxides.
By absorbing CO2, hydroxides turn into carbonates:
O2 H2O CO 2
M(s)  
 M 2 O   MOH   M 2 CO 3
Illustration 3. Which of the following is the most covalent in nature?
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(1) LiF (2) LiCl (3) LiBr (4) LiI
Solution. Ans. (4)
Covalent nature size of anion.
Illustration 4. All alkali metals dissolve in liquid ammonia given highly conducting ________ solutions.
(1) colorless (2) deep blue (3) yellow (4) black
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Solution. Ans. (2)
Dilute solutions of alkali metals in liquid NH3 are dark blue in color and contain ammoniated
  M(NH 3 )x   e  (NH 3 )y 

metal ions and ammoniated electrons: M  (x  y)NH 3 

When light falls on ammoniated electrons, they get excited to higher energy levels by
absorbing the red part of visible light. As a result, the transmitted light is blue imparting blue
A

color to the solution.

Illustration 5. Which of the following is soluble in organic solvents like ethanol?
(1) LiCl (2) NaCl (3) KCl (4) RbCl
Solution. Ans. (1)
Covalent character decreases as the size of the cation increases:
LiCl > NaCl > KCl > RbCl > CsCl
Thus, LiCl has maximum covalent character, so soluble in ethanol, acetone, and ethyl acetate.
It is also soluble in pyridine.
Illustration 6. Which of the following is the correct order of hydrated radii?
(1) Li+< Na+< K+< Rb+ < Cs+ (2) Rb+< Na+< Li+< Cs+ < K+
(3) Cs+< Rb+< K+< Na+ < Li+ (4) Li+< K+< Na+< Rb+ < Cs+
Solution. Ans. (3)
Li+ ion has most hydrated radii on account of maximum charge density due to the smallest size.
Illustration 7. Which of the following reacts with cold water quite readily?
(1) Ca (2) Sr (3) Ba (4) All of these
Solution. Ans. (4)
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Illustration 8. Which of the following peroxides is not known?
(1) BaO2 (2) SrO2 (3) CaO2 (4) BeO2
Solution. Ans. (4)
Illustration 9. Which of the following metals is rendered passive by conc. HNO3 ?
(1) Ba (2) Mg (3) Ca (4) Be
Solution. Ans. (4)
Illustration 10. Which of the following hydroxides of group 2 elements is amphoteric?
(1) Mg(OH)2 (2) Ca(OH)2 (3) Be(OH)2 (4) Sr(OH)2
Solution. Ans. (3)
Illustration 11. Which of the following halides are ionic in nature ?
(1) BaX2 (2) CaX2 (3) SrX2 (4) All of these
Solution. Ans. (4)
Illustration 12. Which of the following carbonates is the most thermally stable ?
(1) BeCO3 (2) MgCO3 (3) CaCO3 (4) BaCO3
Solution. Ans. (4)
BEGINNER'S BOX-2
1. Potassium is kept in
(1) Alcohol (2) Water EN (3) Kerosene (4) Liquid ammonia

2. As compared to lithium, sodium reacts quickly with water because

(1) Its molecular weight is less (2) It is stronger electronegative
(3) It is stronger electropositive (4) It is a metal

3. Which is most basic in character

(1) RbOH (2) KOH (3) NaOH (4) LiOH
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4. Which of the following reacts with water with high rate

(1) Li (2) K (3) Na (4) Rb

5. The correct statement for the molecule, CsI3, is:

(1) it contains Cs3+ and I– ions (2) it contains Cs+, I– and lattice I2 molecule
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(3) it is a covalent molecule (4) it contains Cs+ and I3 ions

ANSWER'S KEY

Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6
BEGINNER'S BOX-1
Ans. 2 2 1 4 4 2
Que. 1 2 3 4 5
BEGINNER'S BOX-2
Ans. 3 3 1 4 4
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CHEMISTRY OF LIGHTER ELEMENTS

3.2 SODIUM CHLORIDE (NaCl)
Occurrence : Sea water is the main source and also found in salt lakes.

Preparation :
(i) Sea water NaCl (2.7 – 2.9%) Evaporation
by solar heat
crude NaCl

(ii) It contains impurities – Na2SO4, MgCl2, CaCl2 etc.

(iii) Insoluble impurities are removed by filtration.

HCl gas passed
(iv) Filtrate Pure NaCl precipitation (Common ion effect)

HCl  H  Cl  NaCl  Na   Cl 
Ionic product of [Na+] [Cl–] > solubility product of NaCl hence it precipitates out.
(v) MgCl2 and CaCl2 are more soluble in water so left in solution.

Properties :

i. Table salt is slightly hygroscopic due to the presence of magnesium and calcium chlorides in
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small quantity.
ii. Reaction with AgNO3

NaCl + AgNO3  NaNO3 + AgCl(white ppt.)

Uses
i. As a preservative for pickles, meat and fish.
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ii. For making freezing mixture with Ice.

3.3 SODIUM HYDROXIDE [Caustic Soda(NaOH)]

Manufacture : By electrolysis of NaCl.

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Castner – Kellner Cell : (Hg – Cathode Process)

Electrolyte (Brine) NaCl
+
Na + Cl
–

On electrolysis –
At Cathode (Hg)
Na+ + e–  Na. and Na + Hg  Na.Hg (amalgam)
At anode (Graphite)
2Cl–  Cl2(g) + 2e– and 2Na.Hg + 2H2O 2NaOH + H2 + 2Hg

Properties :

i. It is a deliquescent white crystalline solid.

ii. It absorbs CO2 from air forming Na2CO3.

iii. NaOH is strong base

SiO2
Na2SiO3 + H2O
NaOH Al2O3
2NaAlO2 + H2O

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
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
   
LL
A




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Uses of NaHCO3 i. In the preparation of baking powder.
ii. In the preparation of effervescent drinks.
iii. In the fire extinguishers.
iv. As antacid medicine (removing acidity) [NaHCO3 + Mg(OH)2]
Uses of Na2CO3 i. In the manufacture of glass, caustic soda, soap powders etc.

ii. In laundries and softening of water.

3.5 CALCIUM OXIDE [Quick lime (CaO)]

Preparation : By heating limestone at 8000C.
800°C
CaCO3 CaO + CO2
Properties :
(i) Action of water : CaO + H2O Ca(OH)2
(quick lime) (Slaked lime)
(ii) Basic Nature :
 (Used in metallurgy)
CaO + SiO2 CaSiO3
(Calcium silicate)

CaO + P4O10 2Ca3(PO4)2EN (Used in fertilizers)
(Calcium phosphate)
(iii) Reaction with carbon :
CaO + 3C 2000°C
CaC2 + CO 
(Calcium carbide)
Uses of CaO :
LL

(i) In the manufacture of bleaching powder, cement, glass, calcium carbide etc.
(ii) In the purification of sugar
(iii) As a drying agent for NH3 and C2H5OH
(iv) As basic lining in furnaces
A

(v) For making Soda lime (NaOH + CaO)

3.6 CALCIUM HYDROXIDE [Slaked lime Ca(OH)2]

Preparation : By the action of water on quick lime
CaO + H2O Ca(OH)2 + heat (slaking of lime)
Properties of Ca(OH)2
(i) Action of CO2 : Lime water turns milky on passing CO2 gas.
Ca(OH)2 + CO2 CaCO3 + H 2O
Milkiness

CaCO3 Excess of
Ca(HCO3)2   CaCO3
CO2 + H2O

(soluble)
(ii) Action of Chlorine :
below 35°C
Ca(OH)2 + Cl2 (Room temp.) CaOCl2 + H2O
dry Bleaching powder

2Ca(OH)2 + 2Cl2 red hot 2CaCl2 + 2H2O + O2 

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Chemistry : s-Block Elements ALLEN®
Pre-Medical
Uses of Ca(OH)2

(i) For softening of hard water.

(ii) For purification of sugar and Coal gas.

(iii) In the manufacture of bleaching powder, Caustic soda and soda lime

(iv) In preparation of mortar, plaster and white washing.

3.7 CALCIUM SULPHATE [Gypsum CaSO4.2H2O]

Preparation : CaSO4.2H2O is naturally occuring calcium sulphate. It can be obtained by the action of dil.
H2SO4 on a soluble calcium salt below 600C.

CaCl2 + H2SO4 2HCl + CaSO4

dilute white ppt.

Properties of Gypsum
(i) Action of heat :
2(CaSO4.2H2O) 
120°C
–3H2 O
 2(CaSO4).H2O 
200°C
2CaSO4 + H2O

(Gypsum) (Plaster of paris)

EN (Anhydride)
(ii) It forms an important fertilizer (NH4)2SO4
CaSO4 + 2NH3 + CO2 + H2O  CaCO3  + (NH4)2 SO4
Uses of Gypsum

(i) In the preparation of plaster of paris

LL
(ii) Anhydrous CaSO4 is used as a drying agent.

(iii) Anhydrite (CaSO4) is used for manufacture of sulphuric acid, ammonium sulphate.

3.8 PLASTER OF PARIS [POP - 2(CaSO4).H2O] or CaSO41/2H2O

Preparation : It is obtained when gypsum is heated at 1200C

A

2(CaSO4.2H2O) 2(CaSO4).H2O + 3H2O

Properties of POP

(i) It is a white powder.

(ii) It has the property of setting to a hard mass when a paste with water is allowed to stand aside
for sometime.

(iii) When it is heated at 2000C, anhydrous CaSO4 is formed.

Uses of POP

(i) In surgery for setting broken bones

(ii) In making casts for toys, statues etc.

(iii) In making blackboard chalks.

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