TRENDS IN

GROUP 2
ELEMENTS
(ALKALINE
EARTH
METALS)

THE SYLLABUS
8.1 Characteristic Properties

Metallic character
Low electronegativity
Formation of basic oxides and hydroxides
Fixed Oxidation state in their compounds
Weak tendency to form complexes
Flame colours of salts flame test

THE SYLLABUS
8.2 Variation in properties of the sblock
elements and their
compounds
Variations in atomic radii, ionisation enthalpies, hydration
enthalpies and melting points.

Interpretation of these variations in terms of structure and

bonding.
Reactions of the elements with oxygen and water. Reactions of
the oxides with water, dilute acids and dilute alkalis.
Relative thermal stability of the carbonates and hydroxides.
Relative solubility of the sulphates(VI) and hydroxides

OBJECTIVES

Properties of Group 2 Elements

( Alkaline Earth Metals)
Atomic Radius
Ionization Energy
Electronegativity
Melting and Boiling Point
Reactivity
Thermal Stability
Experiments
Uses of Compound

ALKALINE EARTH
METALS
Alkaline Earth
Metals includes
Beryllium,
Magnesium,
Calcium,
Strontium and
Barium

Characteristic Properties of the s-Block Elements (SB p.39)

Group II elements:
silvery in colour
harder and higher boiling and melting points than
Group I counterparts
stronger metallic bond due to 2e are contributed to
form bond and smaller atomic sizes
show different crystal structures

Calcium

Group II elements:
Beryllium

Strontium

Magnesium

Barium

Radium

TRENDS THAT CAN BE

ANALYZED IN GROUP 2
INCLUDES:
-ATOMIC RADIUS
-IONIZATION ENERGY
-ELECTRONEGATIVITY
-MELTING AND BOILING
POINT
-ATOMIZATION ENERGY

40.1 Characteristic Properties of the s-Block Elements (SB p.39)

Some information about Group II elements
Melting
Atomic Ionic
Group
Crystal
point
radius radius
II metal
structure
(nm)
(nm)
(C)
Be
Mg
Ca
Sr
Ba
Ra

0.112
0.160
0.197
0.215
0.217
0.220

0.031
0.065
0.099
0.113
0.135
0.140

h
h
f
f
b

1278
648.8
839
769
729
697

Boiling
point
(C)

Density
(g cm3)

Abundance
on earth
(%)

2477
1100
1480
1380
1640
1140

1.85
1.75
1.55
2.54
3.60
5.0

0.000 28
2.33
4.15
0.038
0.042
Trace

, f and b denote hexagonal close-packed, face-centred cubic

d body-centred cubic structures respectively

ATOMIC RADIUS IN GROUP 2

ATOMIC RADIUS
The atomic radius of an element is a measure of its atoms size

As you see in the graph above the atomic radium

increases as you go down the group.
As you can see beryllium as the smallest atomic
radius in comparison to the other elements.
The radius of an atom is governed by
The number of electrons on the outer shell
The pull of the outer electrons from the nucleus

ATOMIC RADIUS

Be

Mg

The forces of attraction within the

nucleus will create a pull toward the
outer electrons

ATOMIC RADIUS
Lets look at Beryllium and Magnesium
Be
Mg

1S22s2
1s22s22p63s2

ATOMIC RADIUS
The only factor which is going to affect the size
of the atom is therefore the number of layers of
inner electrons which have to be fitted in around
the atom. Obviously, the more layers of
electrons you have, the more space they will
take up - electrons repel each other. That means
that the atoms are bound to get bigger as you
go down the Group
In each case, the two outer electrons feel a net
pull of 2+ from the nucleus. The positive charge
on the nucleus is cut down by the negativeness
of the inner electrons.
This is equally true for all the other atoms in
Group 2. This is as a result that the number of

IONIZATION ENERGY

IONIZATION ENERGY
Ionisation energy is governed by
the charge on the nucleus,
the amount of screening by the inner electrons,
the distance between the outer electrons and the
nucleus.
As you go down the Group, the increase in nuclear
charge is exactly offset by the increase in the
number of inner electrons. Just as when we were
talking about atomic radius further up this page, in
each of the elements in this Group, the outer
electrons feel a net attraction of 2+ from the
centre.
However, as you go down the Group, the distance
between the nucleus and the outer electrons

Ionization Enthalpy
Variation in Properties of the s-Block Elements (SB p.54)

Variations in the 1st, 2nd and

3rd ionization enthalpies of
Group II elements
17

ELECTRONEGATIVITY

ELECTRONEGATIVITY

Electronegativity is a measure of the

tendency of an atom to attract a
bonding pair of electrons.
All of these elements have a low
electronegativity. (Remember that the
most electronegative element, fluorine,
has an electronegativity of 4.0.) Notice
that electronegativity falls as you go
down the Group. The atoms become
less and less good at attracting bonding
pairs of electrons.

ELECTRONEGATIVITY
Imagine a bond between a magnesium atom and a
chlorine atom. Think of it to start with as a covalent
bond - a pair of shared electrons. The electron pair will
be dragged towards the chlorine end because there is
a much greater net pull from the chlorine nucleus than
from the magnesium one.

ELECTRONEGATIVITY
The electron pair ends up so close to the
chlorine that there is essentially a transfer of
an electron to the chlorine - ions are formed.
The large pull from the chlorine nucleus is why
chlorine is much more electronegative than
magnesium is.

ELECTRONEGATIVITY
Now compare this with the beryllium-chlorine bond.
The net pull from each end of the bond is the same as before, but you
have to remember that the beryllium atom is smaller than a magnesium
atom. That means that the electron pair is going to be closer to the net
2+ charge from the beryllium end, and so more strongly attracted to it.
In this case, the electron pair doesn't get attracted close enough to the
chlorine for an ionic bond to be formed. Because of its small size,
beryllium forms covalent bonds, not ionic ones. The attraction between
the beryllium nucleus and a bonding pair is always too great for ions to be
formed.
As the metal atoms get bigger, any bonding pair gets further and
further away from the metal nucleus, and so is less strongly attracted
towards it. In other words, as you go down the Group, the elements
become less electronegative.
As you go down the Group, the bonds formed between these elements
and other things such as chlorine become more and more ionic. The
bonding pair is increasingly attracted away from the Group 2 element
towards the chlorine (or whatever).

MELTING AND BOILING POINT

Aside from an irregularity at

magnesium,the melting point
of each element decreases
down the group as it becomes
less metallic in nature.
his is because beryllium and
magnesium have different
metallic structures from the
other elements in the group:
beryllium and magnesium
have a hexagonal closepacked structure
calcium and strontium have
a face-centred cubic
structure and
barium has a body-centred
cubic structure.

BOILING POINT
There is no
regular trend in
the boiling point
as you can see
there is a drastic
decrease with
magnesium then
an increase in
boiling point to
calcium,
strontium and
barium.

Characteristic Properties of the s-Block Elements

All Group II metals (except Be) react with H2O to form

metal hydroxides and H2 gas (Mg reacts with hot water).

e.g.Ca(s) + 2H2O(l)

Ca(OH)2(aq) + H2(g)

Sr(s) + 2H2O(l)

Sr(OH)2(aq) + H2(g)

Beryllium (Be ) does not react with

H2O(l or g)

25

5.3 Group 2
Magnesium oxide
2Mg (s) + O2 (g)

2MgO (s)

burns very vigorously

bright white flame
white solid produced

a. in the air

b. in oxygen

5.3 Group 2

The closer the anions with cations, the

more stable the ionic compounds crystal.
The normal oxide, MO(M2+ + O2), is formed when the metals
are heated in oxygen. Strontium and Barium also form
peroxides. As the M2+ ions are smaller than the M+ ions in
Group I, peroxides do not form until lower down the group
II than in Group I.

5.3 Group 2
Reaction with water
Mg (s) + 2H2O (l)

Mg(OH)2 (aq) + H2 (g)

slowly

Mg (s) + H2O (g)

MgO (s) + H2 (g)

steam
rapidly
Beryllium does not react directly with water all. The rest of the Group
II metals react with increasing rapidity on descending the group.

5.3 Group 2
Oxide reaction with water
MgO (s) + H2O (l)

Mg(OH)2 (aq)

Partially soluble
In the saturated solution, pH(Mg(OH) 2) = 10
The rest of the Group II oxides react with increasing rapidity on
descending the group.

5.3 Group 2
Reaction with acids

Mg (s) + 2HCl (aq)

MgCl2 (aq) + H2 (g)

Mg (s) + H2SO4(aq)

MgSO4 (aq) + H2 (g)

The reaction is more vigorous as we go down the group.

5.3 Group 2
Thermal stability describes how easily or otherwise a compound will
decompose on heating. Increased thermal stability means a higher
temperature is needed to decompose the compound.
Group II

Carbonates,
CO32

Nitrates,
NO3

Mg MgCO3 MgO + CO2

Ca Same pattern but higher
Sr
temperatures needed for
Ba decomposition
Mg
Ca
Sr
Ba

M(NO3)2 MO +
2NO2 + 1/2O2
Same pattern but higher
temperatures needed for
decomposition

The charge density (Z/r) of

the cations (polarization)
will affect the decomposition
temperature.
The larger value of Z/r,
The easier breaking up of
distorted anions:
CO32- CO2 + O2NO32-

NO2 + O2-

40.3 Variation in Properties of the compounds of the s-Block Elements

RelativeThermal
ThermalStability
Stabilityof
ofthe
theCarbonates
Carbonatesand
andHydroxides
Hydroxides
Relative
Thermal stability refers to the resistance of a compound to
decomposition on heating

The higher the thermal stability of a compound, the

higher is the temperature needed to decompose it

The thermal stability of ionic compounds depends on:

(1) charges &
(2) sizes of ions

32

Variation in Properties of the compounds of the s-Block Elements

Compound with large polarizable polyatomic anion

(large electron cloud, as shown in notes), the thermal
stability depends on the polarizing power (charge density)
of cations
The stronger the polarizing power, the electron
cloud of anion will be distorted to greater extent
The compound tends to be less thermal stable

33

Variation in Properties of the compounds of the s-Block Elements

Group II carbonates/hydroxides are less stable than Group I

Group II ions are smaller and have a higher charge than

Group I ions in the same period
Greater polarizing power
The carbonates and hydroxides of Group II metals are
less stable on heating
e.g. K2CO3 is stable upon heating while CaCO3 decomposes
on heating

34

41.2 Characteristic Properties of the s-Block Elements (SB p.46, notes p. 14)

Group II Elements

Form normal oxides only, except Sr, Ba which can form

peroxides.
All are basic (except BeO which is amphoteric), why?
2Be(s) + O2(g)

2BeO(s)

2Mg(s) + O2(g)

2MgO(s)

2Ca(s) + O2(g)

2CaO(s)

2Ba(s) + O2(g)

2BaO(s)

2BaO(s) + O2(g)

2BaO2(s)

35

40.3 Variation in Properties of the compounds of the s-Block Elements (p.61)

Most carbonates and hydroxides of Group II metals

readily undergo decomposition on heating to give
oxides (more stable)
e.g.MgCO3(s)

MgO(s) + CO2(g)

Ca(OH)2(s)
2+

Mg

Mg2+
36

O H
O H

O
O

C O

CaO(s) + H2O(g)

MgO

MgO

H2O

CO2

40.1 Characteristic Properties of the s-Block Elements (SB p.43)

Group II
element
Be
Mg
Ca
Sr
Ba

Normal
oxide
BeO
MgO
CaO
SrO
BaO

Peroxide

SrO2
BaO2

Superoxide

Be, Mg, Ca peroxide do not exist, why?

Reason:
High charge density high polarizing power
serious distortion on electron cloud of the
peroxide ion

37

Group II oxides (except BeO, MgO) react with H2O to form a

weakly alkaline solution

e.g. CaO(s) + H2O(l)

Ca(OH)2(aq)

(weakly alkaline)

The basicity of all Group II oxides increases down the group

BeO is amphoteric
BeO(s) + 2H+(aq)
hot

Be2+(aq) + H2O(l)

BeO(s) + 2OH(aq) + H2O(l)

hot

[Be(OH)4]2(aq)

MgO is slightly soluble in water, but dissolves in acids to

form salts

38

BaO2(s) + 2H2O(l)

Ba(OH)2(aq) + H2O2(aq)

40.3 Variation in Properties of the compounds of the s-Block Elements

(p.60, not mentioned in notes)

Reaction with Acids

All oxides of s-Block elements are basic except BeO which

is amphoteric

Normal oxides:
e.g. CaO(s) + 2HCl(aq)

39

CaCl2(aq) + H2O(l)

Peroxides:
e.g. Na2O2(s) + 2HCl(aq)

2NaCl(aq) + H2O2(aq)

Superoxides:
e.g. 2KO2(s) + 2HCl(aq)

2KCl(aq) + H2O2(aq) + O2(g)

40.3 Variation in Properties of the compounds of the s-Block Elements (p.60)

Reaction with Alkalis

No reaction between the oxides of s-block elements with

alkalis except BeO

BeO is amphoteric, it reacts with NaOH to give

Na2Be(OH)4
BeO(s) + 2NaOH(aq) + H2O(l)

40

Na2Be(OH)4(aq)

EFFECT OF HEAT ON S-BLOCK CARBONATES AND

HYDROXIDES (P.19)
i. Carbonates
Group II:
All decompose on heating forming metal
oxides and carbon dioxide.

ii. Hydroxides
Group II:
All decompose on heating forming metal
oxides and water.

41

5.4 Compounds of Group II

Elements
Table 1: the melting points of the oxides of the Group II
elements.
Oxide

Melting point/

MgO

2852

CaO

2614

SrO

2430

BaO

1918

refractory
material

As M2+ cationic size increases down the Group, the ionic bonds
become weaker, hence, less energy is needed to break the
bonds and a low melting point is expected.

5.4 Compounds of Group II

Elements

CaCO3(limestone)

+ CO2

Ca(OH)2(slaked lime)

+ H2O

CaO(lime)

5.4 Compounds of Group II

Elements

Ca(OH)2 (s) + 2HNO3(aq) Ca(NO3)2(aq) + 2H2O(l)

Acid + Base Salt + Water
This is a base and is used in agriculture to treat acidic soil.

5.4 Compounds of Group II

Elements

Soft water: Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO32-

temporary hardness

Ca2+ (aq) + 2HCO3(aq) CaCO3(s) + CO2(g) + H2O(l)

Mg2+ (aq) + 2HCO3(aq) MgCO3(s) + CO2(g) + H2O(l)

Hard water: Ca2+, Mg2+, SO42-, ClCa2+(aq) + SO42-(aq) CaSO4(s)

permanent hardness

5.4 Compounds of Group II

Elements
Table 2: Active Ingredients in Commercial Antacid Tablets
Chemical Name
Magnesium
Hydroxide
Calcium Carbonate
Sodium Bicarbonate
Aluminum
Hydroxide
Dihydroxyaluminum
Sodium Carbonate

Chemical
Formula

Chemical Reaction

Mg(OH)2

Mg(OH)2 + 2H+
Mg2+ + 2H2O

CaCO3

CaCO3 + 2H+
Ca2+ + H2O + CO2 (g)

NaHCO3

NaHCO3 + H+
Na+ + H2O + CO2 (g)

Al(OH)3

Al(OH)3 + 3H+ Al3+

+ 3H2O

NaAl(OH)2CO3

NaAl(OH)2CO3 + 4H+
Na++ Al3++ 3H2O +
CO2(g)

5.4 Compounds of Group II

Elements
Hydration Enthalpy(Hhyd , ): The
amount of energy relaeased when one
mole of aqueous ions is formed from its
gaseous ions.
Na+ (g) + aq

Na+ (aq)

Hhyd = 406 kJmol-1

5.4 Compounds of Group II

Elements
When an ionic solid is dissolved in water, two processes
are taking place. They are the breakdown of the ionic
solid, and subsequent stabilization of the ions by water
molecules (hydration).

NaCl (s)

Hsolu

Na+(aq) + Cl(aq)

Hlatt =

Hhyd =
772 kJmol-1

776 kJmol-1
Na+(g) + Cl(g)

Hsolu = Hhyd Hlatt

SOLUBILITY OF THE HYDROXIDES, SULPHATES AND

CARBONATES OF THE GROUP 2 ELEMENTS IN WATER
The Facts
Solubility of the hydroxides
The hydroxides becomemore solubleas you go down the Group.
This is a trend which holds for the whole Group, and applies whichever
set of data you choose.
Some examples may help you to remember the trend:
Magnesium hydroxideappears to be insoluble in water. However, if
you shake it with water, filter it and test the pH of the solution, you
find that it is slightly alkaline. This shows that there are more
hydroxide ions in the solution than there were in the original water.
Some magnesium hydroxide must have dissolved.
Calcium hydroxidesolution is used as "lime water". 1 litre of pure
water will dissolve about 1 gram of calcium hydroxide at room
temperature.
Barium hydroxideis soluble enough to be able to produce a solution
with a concentration of around 0.1 mol dm-3at room temperature.

49

Solubility of the sulphates

The sulphates becomeless solubleas you go down the Group.
The simple trend is true provided you include hydrated beryllium
sulphate in it, but not if the beryllium sulphate is anhydrous.
The Nuffield Data Book quotes anyhydrous beryllium sulphate, BeSO 4,
asinsoluble(I haven't been able to confirm this from any other
source), whereas the hydrated form, BeSO4.4H2O is soluble. (The Data
Books agree on this - giving a figure of about 39 g dissolving in 100 g
of water at room temperature.)
Figures for magnesium sulphate and calcium sulphate also vary
depending on whether the salt is hydrated or not, but nothing like so
dramatically.
Two common examples may help you to remember the trend:
You are probably familiar with the reaction between magnesium and
dilute sulphuric acid to give lots of hydrogen and a colourless solution
ofmagnesium sulphate. Notice that you get a solution, not a
precipitate. The magnesium sulphate is obviously soluble.
You may also remember thatbarium sulphateis formed as a white
precipitate during the test for sulphate ions in solution. The ready
formation of a precipitate shows that the barium sulphate must be
pretty insoluble. In fact, 1 litre of water will only dissolve about 2 mg of
barium sulphate at room temperature.

Solubility of the carbonates

The carbonates tend to becomeless solubleas you go
down the Group.
None of the carbonates is anything more than very
sparingly soluble. Magnesium carbonate (the most soluble
one I have data for) is soluble to the extent of about 0.02
g per 100 g of water at room temperature.
I can't find any data for beryllium carbonate, but it tends
to react with water and so that might confuse the trend.
The trend to lower solubility is, however, broken at the
bottom of the Group. Barium carbonate is slightly more
soluble than strontium carbonate.
There are no simple examples which might help you to
remember the carbonate trend.
What - no explanations?
Before I started to write this page, I thought I understood
the trends in solubility patterns including the explanations
for them. The more I have dug around to try to find
reliable data, and the more time I have spent thinking
about it, the less I'm sure that it is possible to come up
with anysimpleexplanation of the solubility patterns.

Questions
Describe and explain how the thermal stability of the carbonates
of the group 2 elements varies down the group. Write and
Equation for the decomposition of a carbonate of a named Group
2 elements
With reference to lattice energy and hydration energy account
for the variation of the sulfates of group 2 elements
Explain the variation I thermal decomposition of nitrates of group
2 elements. Write an equation for the decomposition of nitrate of
a named group 2 element