Question

\[\ce{BeF2}\] is soluble in water, whereas, the fluorides of other alkaline earth metals are insoluble because of ______.

Options

• ionic nature of \[\ce{BeF2}\]

• greater hydration energy of \[\ce{Be^2+}\] ion

• covalent nature of  \[\ce{BeF2}\]

• greater atomic size of \[\ce{Be^2+}\] 

Answer 1

\[\ce{BeF2}\] is soluble in water, whereas, the fluorides of other alkaline earth metals are insoluble because of greater hydration energy of \[\ce{Be^2+}\] ion.

Explanation:

As the hydration energy of the metal reduces with increasing atomic number, so does the solubility of the halides of the alkaline earth metals. due to the metal ion's expansion in size.