CHAPTER-3

ACIDS, BASES AND SALTS

Acids and Bases
Topic-1 Concepts covered: • Acids - Physical and chemical properties, •
Bases - Physical and chemical properties, • pH and its application.

Revision Notes
 Acids: The 'acid' comes from the Latin word 'acidus' meaning 'sour'.
 Acids are defined as compounds which contain one or more hydrogen atoms and when dissolved in water,
produces hydronium ions (H3O+), the only positively charged ions, for example, hydrochloric acid (HCl),
sulphuric acid (H2SO4), nitric acid (HNO3).
 Ions present in acids: Mineral acids (inorganic acids) like HCl, H2SO4 and HNO3 ionises completely in the
solution. So, they contain high concentration of hydronium ion (H3O+). Hydronium ion is hydrated hydrogen
ion. Organic acids like acetic acid (CH3COOH), oxalic acid (COOH)2 do not ionise completely in solution. So, they
contain ions as well as molecules.
 Classification of Acids:
1. Depending on their sources - (i) Organic acids (ii) Inorganic acids
(i) Organic acids: Acids which are obtained usually from plants are called organic acids. They contain
carbon atom also along with hydrogen atom.
Example: CH3COOH (Acetic acid).
(ii) Inorganic acids: Acids which are obtained usually from minerals are known as inorganic acids. They do
not contain carbon (except carbonic acid H2CO3).
Example: H2SO4 (Sulphuric acid), HCl (Hydrochloric acid)
2. Depending on their strength – (i) Strong acid (ii) Weak acid
(i) Strong acid: A strong acid vigorously ionises in aqueous solution, there by producing a high concentration
of hydronium ion [H3O]+.
Example: HCl, H2SO4
(ii) Weak acid: Weak acid ionises only partially in aqueous solution, and thus they produce ions as well as
molecules.
Example: CH3COOH (Acetic acid).
 3. Depending on their concentration :
(i) Concentrated acid (Contains less water)
(ii) Dilute acid (Contains more water)
4. Depending on molecular composition: (i) Oxy-acids (ii) Hydro-acids
(i) Oxy-Acids : Oxy-acids are those acids, which contain oxygen along with hydrogen and some other
element.
Example: Nitric acid, Sulphuric acid
(ii) Hydro-acids : Hydro-acids are those acids which contain hydrogen and a non-metallic element, and no
oxygen.
Example: Hydrochloric acid.
5. Depending on their basicity - The basicity of an acid is defined as the number of hydronium ions (H3O)+ that
can be produced by ionisation of one molecule of that acid in aqueous solution.
Acid Basicity

HCl 
→ H+ + Cl– Monobasic acid

→ 2H+ + SO24 −
H2SO4  Dibasic acid

H3PO4 
→ 3H+ + PO3− Tribasic acid
4

 Physical properties of acids :

(a) Acids have a sour taste in their aqueous solutions.
(b) Acids turn blue litmus paper or solution red, orange or yellow colour of methyl orange solution pink and
deep red colour of phenolphthalein colourless.
(c) The aqueous solution of all mineral acids contains hydrogen ions.
(d) Mineral acids such as HCI, HNO3, H2SO4, etc., are highly corrosive and cause painful burns on the skin.
Conc. H2SO4 stains the skin black while conc. HCl stains the skin amber-coloured.
 Chemical properties of acids :
(a) Metals which are more electropositive than hydrogen, react with dil. HCl and dil. H2SO4 to liberate hydrogen
gas.
Zn(s) + 2HCl(aq) → ZnCl2(aq) + H2(g)
Nitric acid (HNO3) does not liberate hydrogen gas on reaction with metals. However, Mg and Mn react with
very dilute nitric acid to produce hydrogen gas.
(b) Acids react with metal oxides to form the corresponding salt and water.
CaO(s) + 2HCl(aq)  → CaCl (aq) + H O(l)
2 2
When MnO2 is heated with conc. HCl, a greenish-yellow, chlorine gas, is produced.
MnO2(s) + 4HCl(aq)  → MnCl (aq) + 2H O(l) + Cl (g)
2 2 2
(c) Bicarbonates and carbonates are decomposed by dilute acids with the liberation of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas.
NaHCO3(s) + HCl(aq) 
→ NaCl(aq) + H O(l) + CO (g)
2 2

CaCO3(s) + 2HNO3(aq)  → Ca(NO ) (aq) + H O(l) + CO (g)

3 2 2 2
(d) Bisulphites and sulphites are decomposed by dilute acids to liberate sulphur dioxide (SO2) gas.
NaHSO3(s) + HCl(aq) 
→ NaCl(aq) + H O(l) + SO (g)
2 2

Na2SO3(s) + H2SO4(aq)  → Na SO (aq) + H O(l) + SO (g)

2 4 2 2
(e) Dilute acids react with metal sulphides and liberate hydrogen sulphide gas.
FeS(s) + H2SO4(aq) → FeSO (aq) + H S(g)
4 2
(f) Hydrogen chloride gas is produced when concentrated sulphuric acid is added to common salt.
2 NaCl(s) + H2SO4(aq) → Na2SO4(aq) + 2HCl(g)
(g) When sodium or potassium nitrate is heated with concentrated sulphuric acid, vapours of nitric acid
are evolved.
KNO3(s) + H2SO4(aq)  → KHSO (aq) + HNO (g)
4 3
General Uses of Some Acids:
(a) Boric acid - Antiseptic for Eye-wash
(b) Oxalic acid - Ink stain remover
(c) Tartaric acid - Baking powder
(d) Citric acid - Food preservative
(e) Carbonic acid - Flavoured drink
(f) Phosphoric acid - Fertilizers.
  Bases : A base is either a metallic oxide or a metallic hydroxide which reacts with hydronium ions of an acid to
form salt and water only.
 Alkali : An alkali is a basic hydroxide which when dissolved in water produces hydroxyl (OH-) ions as the only
negatively charged ions.
NaOH (aq) 
→ Na+ + OH-
 Classification of Bases :
1. On the basis of strength
(i) A Strong base : It undergoes almost complete ionisation in aqueous solution to produce a high
concentration of OH-.
Example: Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH).
(ii) A Weak base : A weak base is a substance which ionises only to a small extent when dissolved in water
Example: NH4OH, Ca(OH)2, etc.
2. On the basis of acidity : The number of hydroxyl ions [OH]- which can be produced per molecule
of the base in aqueous solution or the number of hydrogen ions (of an acid) with which a molecule of
that base will react to produce salt and water is known as acidity of the base.

Base Acidity

NaOH 
→ Na+ + OH– Monoacidic base

Ca(OH)2 
→ Ca2+ + 2OH– Diacidic base

Al(OH)3 
→ Al3+ +3OH– Triacidic base

3. Concentration of a base depends on the amount of water present in it. A concentrated base has more
quantity of base and a little or no water while a dilute base has more water and less base.
Preparation of Bases : The common methods of preparing bases are as follows:
(i) From Metals : Metals when react with oxygen give bases.
4Na + O2 
→ 2Na2O
2Mg + O2  → 2MgO
(ii) By the action of water on metals; like sodium, potassium and calcium :
2Na + 2H2O 
→ 2 NaOH + H2 ↑
2K + 2H2O 
→ 2 KOH + H2 ↑
Ca + 2H2O  → Ca(OH)2 + H2 ↑
(iii) By the action of water on soluble metallic oxides :
Na2O + H2O 
→ 2 NaOH
K2O + H2O  → 2 KOH
(iv) By Double Decomposition: Aqueous solution of salts with a base (alkali) precipitate the respective
metallic hydroxide.
FeCl3 + 3NaOH 
→ Fe(OH)3 + 3 NaCl
↑

CuSO4 + 2 NaOH  → Cu(OH) ↑

2
Na2SO4
(v) By the action of oxygen on metal sulphides :
2 ZnS + 3O2 
→ 2 ZnO + 2SO2
2 PbS + 3O2 
→ 2 PbO + 2SO2
(vi) By Decomposition of salts :
CaCO3 
→ CaO + CO2 ↑
CuCO3 
→ CuO + CO2 ↑
2Ca (NO3)2 
→ 2CaO + 4 NO2 + O2 ↑
2Zn(NO3)2 
→ 2ZnO + 4NO2 + O2
 Physical Properties of Bases
(a) Alkalis have a bitter taste and are soapy to touch.
(b) Alkalis turn red litmus paper or solution blue, colourless phenolphthalein pink, pink colour of methyl orange
to yellow colour and turmeric powder to brown colour.
  Chemical Properties of Bases
(a) Alkalis react with acids to from salt and water.
2 NaOH (aq) + H2SO4 (aq) 
→ Na2SO4 (aq) + 2H2O
CuO (s) + H2SO4 (aq)  → CuSO4 (aq) + H2O (l)
(b) Alkalis react with ammonium salts to liberate ammonia gas with a pungent smell.
2 NaOH (aq) + (NH4)2SO4 (aq)  → Na2SO4 (aq) + 2 H2O (l) + 2NH3 (g)
(c) Alkalis react with solutions of salts of heavy metals (copper, iron, zinc, lead, etc.) to form insoluble precipitates
of metal hydroxides.
↑
CuCl2 (aq) + 2 NaOH (aq) 
→ Cu(OH)2 + 2 NaCl (aq)
↑
FeCl3 (aq) + 3 NaOH (aq) 
→ Fe(OH)3 + 3 NaCl (aq)
↑
ZnCl2(aq) + 2 NaOH (aq)  → Zn(OH)2 + 2 NaCl (aq)
(d) Hydroxides of zinc, lead and aluminium behave like acids in the presence of strong alkalis, while they
behave like bases in the presence of strong acids, so as to from salt and water.
Zn(OH)2 (aq) + 2 NaOH (aq) 
→ Na2ZnO2 (aq) + 2H2O (l)
Zn(OH)2 (aq) + H2SO4 (aq) 
→ ZnSO4 (aq) + 2H2O (l)
Al(OH)3 (aq) + NaOH (aq) 
→ NaAlO2 (aq) + 2H2O (l)
Al(OH)3 (aq) + 3 HCl (aq) 
→ AlCl3 (aq) + 3H2O (l)
(e) All bases except NaOH and KOH decompose on heating to from their respective oxides.
Heat
Ca(OH)2 (aq)  → CaO (aq) + H2O (l)
2Al(OH)3 (aq) Heat
 → Al2O3 (aq) + 3 H2O (l)
(f) Caustic alkalis (NaOH and KOH) are corrosive to the skin as they combine with the oils and fats in the skin.
 Uses of Bases
(1) Aluminium hydroxide is used as a foaming agent in fire extinguishers.
(2) Sodium hydroxide is used in the manufacture of soaps.
(3) Ammonium hydroxide is used for removing grease and stains from woollen clothes.
(4) Potassium hydroxide is used in the manufacturing of soft soaps and alkaline batteries.
(5) Calcium hydroxide is used in the manufacture of bleaching powder, softening of hard water, neutralising
acidity of soil, as a general germicide and in making mortar.
Neutralisation Reaction: The reaction between an acid and a base to form salt and water is known as a neutrali-

sation reaction.
HCl (aq) + NaOH (aq) 
→ NaCl (aq) + H2O (l)
H+ + Cl- + Na+ + OH- Water
 → Na+ + Cl- + H2O (l)
H+ + OH-  → H2O (l)
Or,
When ammonia is dissolved in water, it acts as a base and water as an acid. The following are the applications of
neutralisation reaction:
(a) Farmers reduce acidity of the soil by adding slaked lime (calcium hydroxide) to it.
(b) Antacid tablets containing magnesium hydroxide are given to person suffering from acidity to neutralise
excess acid produced in the stomach.
(c) Cold milk which is alkaline also helps a person in neutralising the hydrochloric acid present in the stomach.
(d) The sting of ants and bees contains formic acid. This can be neutralised by rubbing soap which contains free
sodium hydroxide, on the affected area of the skin.
(e) The sting of yellow wasps contains an alkali. This is neutralised by rubbing acetic acid (vinegar) on the
affected area of the skin.
 The acidity or alkalinity of a liquid is expressed in terms of pH. It is a measure of hydrogen ion concentration of
the solution.
pH of a solution is the number by which negative power of 10 has to be raised in order to express the hydrogen
ion concentration of the solution.
 H +  = 10 − x ; ∴ pH = x

It is also defined as the negative logarithm to the base 10 of the hydrogen ion concentration, i.e.,
pH = - log [H+]
 A pH of 7 indicates a neutral solution, i.e., pure water. Numbers less than 7, i.e., pH 6, 5, 4, ......, 1, indicate
acidic solutions. The acidity increases as the pH number decreases. Numbers greater than 7, i.e., pH 8, 9, 10, .....,
14, indicate alkaline solutions. The alkalinity increases as the pH number increases.
A reasonably accurate value of the pH of the solution can be determined by putting two or three drops of the
solution on a wide range pH paper. A colour will appear and by matching this colour with the chart provide by
the supplier, the pH can be determined.

Mnemonics
1. Concept : Uses of acid 2. Concept :
Mnemonics: Properties of acid
BEW Mnemonics:
FPCA A student told teacher Bus Rider called “HI”
ISRO Interpretation:
FDCA A—Acid
BPT S—Sour
Interpretation: T—taste
Boric acid -eye wash (BEW) T—turns
Food preservative -citric acid (FPCA) B—blue
Ink Stain Remover -Oxalic acid (ISRO) R—red
Flavouring Drinks -carbonic acid(FDCA) C—contains
Baking Powder –Tartaric acid (BPT) HI—hydrogen ion

Key Words
 The bases having an acidity of 1, 2 and 3 are called monoacidic, diacidic, triacidic bases respectively.
 Concentration of Acid : It means the amount of acid present in a definite amount of its aqueous solution.
 Monobasic Acid : It is an acid which on ionisation in water produces hydronium ion per molecule of the acid.
 Dibasic Acid: It is an acid which on ionisation in water produces two hydronium ions (H3O+) per molecule of the
acid.
 Tribasic Acid: It is an acid which on ionisation in water produces three hydronium ions per molecule of the acid.
 Indicator: It is a complex substance that indicates separate colour in acidic and basic medium.
 Monoacidic Base: It is a base that dissociates in molten (fused) state or in aqueous solution to produces one OH–
ion per molecule of that base.
 Diacidic Base: It is a base that dissociates in molten (fused) state or in aqueous solution to produce two OH– ions
per molecule of that base.
 Triacidic Base: It is a base that dissociates in molten (fused) state or in aqueous solution to produce three OH– ions
per molecule of that base.
 pH: The pH of solution is the negative logarithm to the base 10 of the hydrogen ion concentration expressed in
moles per litre.

Key Terms
 The hydrated hydrogen ion that exists in the solutions of acids is known as hydronium ion (H3O+).
H+ + H2O → H3O+
 Carbonic acid (H2CO3) is a weak mineral acid. It contains ions as well as molecules. It turns blue litmus pink. It is
non-corrosive and so used in soft drinks.
 Basicity of an acid depends not on the number of hydrogen atoms in one molecule of that acid, but on the number
of ionizable hydrogen atoms that it has per molecule.
 H3PO3 is a dibasic acid because in oxyacid of phosphorus, hydrogen atoms which are attached to oxygen atoms
are replaceable. Hydrogen atoms directly bonded to phosphorus atoms are not replaceable.
O

P
HO H Not replaceable
OH
  In order to dilute an acid, pour acid into water in small amounts and stir constantly.
It is noted that water is not added to acid as it is an exothermic process.
 Strength of an acid is the measure of concentration of hydronium ion, it produces in its aqueous solution.
 Dilute HCl is stronger acid than highly concentrated acetic acid.
 The strength of an acid depends on the degree of ionisation (a) and concentration of H3O+ ions produced by that
acid in aqueous solution.
Number of acid molecules ionised
 Degree of ionisation (a) = × 100
Total number of acid molecules preseent in aqueous solution
 If the value of a for an acid or base is greater than 30%, it is strong and if it is less then 30%, it is weak.
 All mineral acids have corrosive action on the skin and cause painful burns.
For example, Conc. H2SO4 — stains the skin black
Conc. HNO3 — stains the skin yellow
Conc. HCl — stains the skin amber
 Those substances whose smell changes in acidic or basic solutions are known as olfactory indicators. For example,
onion, vanilla and clove oil.
 Colour change in acidic Colour change in basic
Indicator
medium medium
Litmus Blue to red Red to blue

Methyl orange Orange to pink Orange to yellow

Phenolphthalein Remains colourless Colourless to pink

 Nitric acid is a very strong oxidising agent so it is not used in the preparation of hydrogen. It oxidises hydrogen
and form water. Only magnesium and manganese can produce hydrogen with very dil. HNO3 (1%).
Mn + 2HNO3 → Mn (NO3)2 + H2 ↑
(1%)
 An alkali is a base soluble in water.
 All alkalis form OH– ions in aqueous solution as the only negative ions. They turn red litmus blue.
 All alkalis are bases but all bases are not alkalis.
For example, Fe(OH)3 and Cu(OH)2 are bases, but not alkalis because they are insoluble in water.
 pH Scale :
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Increasing Increasing
Acidic Alkaline
nature nature
Neutral
 The universal indicator is a mixture of indicator dyes that gives a spectrum of colours depending on how acidic
or alkaline a solution is.
 Universal indicators give different colours at different concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution.
For example, a universal indicator produces green colour in a neutral solution, i.e., when pH = 7. It changes in a
basic solution progressively from 7 to 14.
 If the pH is less then 5.6 of rain water, it is said to be acid rain.
 To get rid of acidity in stomach, antacids like milk of magnesia [Mg(OH)2] is generally used to adjust the pH.
 When the pH of mouth falls to 5.5, tooth decay starts.
 Bee sting leaves acid in the body. If baking soda (NaHCO3), a base, is applied on the stung area, it gives relief.

Salts
Topic-2 Concepts covered: • Classification of salts, • Preparation and properties
of different types of salts.

Revision Notes
 Salts: The chemical compounds which on dissolving in water produce positively charged particles other than
hydrogen ions and negatively charged particles other than hydroxyl ions are called salts.
NaCl Na+ + Cl-
KCl K+ + Cl-
  Classification of Salt : There are six kinds of salts.
(a) Normal salt : The salt formed by complete replacement of replaceable hydrogen ions of an acid by

a basic radical or metallic ion. Some examples of normal salts are sodium chloride (NaCl), potassium
nitrate (KNO3), copper sulphate (CuSO4) and sodium acetate (CH3COONa).
Acid + Base 
→ Salt + Water
HCl + NaOH 
→ NaCl + H2O
HNO3 + KOH 
→ KNO3 + H2O
H2SO4 + Cu(OH)2 
→ CuSO4 + 2H2O
CH3COOH + NaOH 
→ CH3COONa + H2O
These salts on dissolving in water dissociate into their constituent ions. Normal salts have no ionizable
hydrogen atoms.
(b) Acid Salt: A salt formed by incomplete or partial replacement of replaceable hydrogen ions of an acid by a

basic radical or metallic ion. Some examples of acid salt are sodium hydrogen sulphate (NaHSO4), potassium
bisulphate (KHSO4), sodium hydrogen sulphite (NaHSO3).
Acid + Alkali 
→ Salt + Water
H2SO4 + NaOH 
→ NaHSO4 + H2O
H3PO4 + NaOH 
→ NaH2PO4 + H2O
H2SO3 + NaOH 
→ NaHSO3 + 2H2O
Acid salts are formed when the basicity of the acid taken is more than the acidity of a base. In aqueous
solution, acid salts furnish hydrogen ion or hydronium ion (H3O+).
(c) Basic Salt: The salt formed by the partial or incomplete replacement of replaceable hydroxyl ions of diacidic

or triacidic base by an acid radical. Some example of basic salts are basic lead chloride [Pb(OH)Cl], basic
copper chloride [Cu(OH)Cl], basic magnesium chloride [Mg(OH)Cl].
Base + Acid 
→ Salt + Water
Pb(OH)2 + HCl 
→ Pb(OH)Cl + H2O
Cu(OH)2 + HCl 
→ Cu(OH)Cl + H2O
Mg(OH)2 + HCl 
→ Mg(OH)Cl + H2O
The basic salts are only formed when the acidity of the the base taken is more than the basicity of an acid. The
basic salts contain a metallic cation, a hydroxyl ion from base and an anion obtained from the acid.
(d) Double salt: The salts that contain more than one cation or anion are known as double salt. They are obtained

by the combination of two different salts but differ in their crystalline structure. For example, potash alum,
(K2SO4. Al2(SO4)3. 24H2O), (Mohr's salt).
(e) Mixed salts: The salt that consists of a fixed proportion of two salts, often sharing either a common cation or

common anion is known as mixed salt.
e.g., bleaching powder (CaOCl2), sodium potassium carbonate (NaKCO3).
(f) Complex salts : The salts which contain different types of metal atoms which on hydrolysis produces complex

ions along with simple ions are called complex salts. For example, silver amino chloride [Ag(NH3)2] Cl,
tetraammine copper (II) sulphate [Cu(NH3)4] SO4, sodium argentocyanide {Na[Ag(CN)2]}.
 Preparation of Soluble Salts :
(a) By synthesis: Several soluble salts are prepared by heating the constituent elements together.
2Fe + 3Cl 
→ 2FeCl3
2Na + Cl2 
→ 2NaCl
(b) Simple displacement: Soluble salts of active metals like Mg, Zn, Fe etc. can be prepared by the simple

displacement reactions involving an active metal and dilute acid.
Mg + dil. 2HCl → MgCl 2 + H2 ↑
(magnesium chlorid
de)

Zn + dil.H 2SO4 → ZnSO 4 + H2 ↑

Zinc sulphate

(c) Double decomposition: Insoluble or soluble bases react with acids to form salt and water. By this

reaction only soluble salts are prepared. (Neutralisation reaction)
 NH 4 OH + dil.HCl → NH Cl4 + H2O
( Ammonium chloride )

2KOH + dil.H 2 SO4 → K SO

2 4 + 2H 2 O
Potassium sulphate

(d) By the reaction of metallic carbonates, bicarbonates, sulphites, bisulphites, sulphides and bisulphides with

dilute acids:
CaCO3 + dil.2 HCl → CaCl 2 + H2O + CO2 ↑
Calcium chloride

ZnSO3 + dil.H 2 SO4 → ZnSO4 + H2O + SO2 ↑

Zinc sulphate

(e) By the reaction of metals with alkali:

Boiling
Zn + 2NaOH 
→ Na2 ZnO2 + H 2 ↑
Sodium
Zincate

Boiling
Pb + 2KOH 
→ K 2 PbO2 + H2 ↑
Potassium
metaplumbate

Boiling
2Al + 2NaOH + 2H 2O 
→ 2 NaAlO2 + 3H 2 ↑
Sodium
alumin
nate

 Preparation of Insoluble Salts :

(i) By direct combination
Pb + S  → PbS
(ii) Combination of an acidic oxide with a basic oxide
CO2 + CaO  → CaCO
3
(iii) By the precipitation reaction (double decomposition)
BaCl2 + H2SO4  → BaSO
↑
4
+ 2HCl
 Laboratory Preparation of Some Salts :
(Normal and Acid Salts)
l Preparation of an Acid Salt (Sodium bicarbonate)

Method of preparation: Sodium bicarbonate is obtained by passing carbon dioxide gas into a cold solution of
sodium carbonate (Na2CO3).
Na2CO3 + CO2 + H2O  → 2NaHCO3
Procedure: Dissolve anhydrous sodium carbonate (5g) in distilled water (nearly 25 cm3) in a flask. Cool the
solution by keeping the flask in a freezing mixture, then pass CO2 gas in the solution. After sometime crystals
of sodium bicarbonate will precipitate out, filter the crystals and dry it.
l Preparation of Sodium sulphate crystals (Na2SO4 . 10H2O)

Method of preparation: By neutralisation of caustic soda with dilute sulphuric acid.
2NaOH + H2SO4  → Na2SO4 + 2H2O
↑
Titration is conducted to determine the completion of the neutralisation reaction because the reactants as well
as the products are soluble.
 General Properties of Salts:
(i) Salts are electrovalent compounds, which conduct electricity in molten state as well as in their aqueous solution.
(ii) Non-volatile solids that form crystals.
(iii) Most of the salts are soluble in water. Degree of solubility in water varies with temperature.
(iv) Hydrolysis of salts
Salt formed by a strong acid and weak base or by a weak acid and a strong base, reacts with water to give
acidic or basic solution, is known as hydrolysis of salts.
(a) Salts of strong acids and weak bases on hydrolysis give acidic solution. (pH<7), e.g., iron (III) chloride
(FeCl3), copper sulphate (CuSO4).
(b) Salts of weak acids (H2CO3, CH3COOH) and strong bases (KOH, NaOH) on hydrolysis give alkaline
solution (pH > 7).
(c) Salts of strong acids and weak bases on hydrolysis give neutral solution.
(d) Salts of weak acids and weak bases on hydrolysis may give acidic, alkaline or neutral solution
depending upon the dissociated ions and undissociated molecules. For example ammonium acetate
[CH3COONH4] and ammonium carbonate [(NH4)2 CO3].
  Water of Crystallisation:
It is that definite amount of water with which the substance is associated when crystallising out from an aqueous
solution, e.g., copper (II) sulphate crystallises out as a pentahydrate, CuSO4 . 5H2O. Thus, one mole of copper (II)
sulphate is associated with five moles of water.
 Hydrated Salts - Water of Crystallisation:

l The compounds which crystallise out of their saturated solutions with fixed number of molecules of water of
crystallisation are called hydrated salts.

l These molecules of water of crystallisation are in loose chemical combination with the salt.
l The hydrated salts owe their crystalline nature to the molecules of water of crystallisation.

Salts containing water of crystallisation

Common Name Chemical Name Formula

White vitriol Zinc sulphate heptahydrate ZnSO4.7H2O
Glauber's salt Sodium sulphate decahydrate Na2SO4.10H2O
Washing soda Sodium carbonate decahydrate Na2CO3.10H2O
Potash alum Potassium aluminium sulphate KAl(SO4)2.12H2O
Epsom salt Magnesium sulphate heptahydrate MgSO4.7H2O
Green vitriol Iron(II) sulphate heptahydrate FeSO4.7H2O
Blue vitriol Copper(II) sulphate pentahydrate CuSO4.5H2O
Lime saltpetre Calcium nitrate Ca(NO3)2.4H2O

Hygroscopic Substances: Certain substances when exposed to the atmosphere at ordinary temperature, absorb

moisture from the atmosphere without dissolving in it. These are called hygroscopic substances and this property
is called hygroscopy. These substances are generally used for drying of gases in laboratory, e.g., conc. sulphuric
acid (H2SO4), quick lime (CaO), silica gel, phosphorus pentaoxide (P2O5).
Drying or desiccating agents: Certain substances remove moisture from other substances and are therefore called

desiccating agents or drying agents or desiccants. Almost all hygroscopic substances are desiccating agents.

For example, Conc. sulphuric acid, phosphorus pentaoxide, quick lime.
Dehydrating agents: The substances that can remove water molecules even from compounds are called

dehydrating agents. For example, concentrated sulphuric acid can remove water molecules from blue vitriol
(CuSO4.5H2O), so it is a dehydrating agent.
CuSO4 . 5H 2O + H 2SO4 ® CuSO4 + 5H 2O
Hydrated Conc . Anhydrous
Salt Salt

Key Words
 Displacement: It is a chemical change in which a more active element displaces a less active element from its salt
solution.
 Decomposition: It is a chemical change in which a compound breaks up into its elements or simpler compounds.
 Hydrolysis: The phenomenon due to which salt formed by a weak acid and a strong base, or by a strong acid and
a weak base, reacts with water to give an acidic or alkaline solution is called hydrolysis.

Key Terms
 Acid salts ionise in water solution to give hydronium ions and hence, they exhibit all the properties of an acid.
 Soluble slats are obtained by the evaporation of water, followed by crystallisation.
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their pure forms by crystallisation.
 An insoluble salt can be obtained from another insoluble salt, by double decomposition.
 If at least 1 g of a substance can be dissolved in 100 mL of water at 298 K, it is called a soluble salt.
 If 0.1 g to 1 g of a substance can be dissolved in 100 mL of water at 298 K, it is called a partially soluble salt.
 If less than 0.1 g of a substance can be dissolved in 100 mL of water at 298 K, it is called an insoluble salt.
 All metallic oxides and hydroxides are insoluble except of sodium, potassium and ammonium. Calcium hydroxide
is slightly soluble. NaHCO3 is sparingly soluble, but KHCO3 is fairly soluble in water.
 Efflorescent substances lose their weight while hygroscopic and deliquescent substances gain weight when
exposed to atmosphere.
 Table salt (NaCl) turns moist and ultimately forms a solution, on exposure to air, especially during the rainy
season. Though, pure sodium chloride is not deliquescent, the commercial version of the salt contains impurities
like MgCl2 and CaCl2, which are deliquescent substances.
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