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The Group 2 Elements 2025-1

The document discusses the group II (2A) elements, known as alkaline earth metals, which include beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, and radium. It covers their physical and chemical properties, occurrence in nature, applications, and biological roles, highlighting their reactivity and the formation of various compounds. Additionally, it notes the importance of these metals in industrial applications and their roles in biological systems, such as in chlorophyll and dental health.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
24 views33 pages

The Group 2 Elements 2025-1

The document discusses the group II (2A) elements, known as alkaline earth metals, which include beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, and radium. It covers their physical and chemical properties, occurrence in nature, applications, and biological roles, highlighting their reactivity and the formation of various compounds. Additionally, it notes the importance of these metals in industrial applications and their roles in biological systems, such as in chlorophyll and dental health.

Uploaded by

caglacan007
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The group II (2A) elements

beryllium (Be), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), and radium (Ra)

22.02.2024 Handbook: Inorganic Chemistry - Catherine E. Housecroft And Alan G. Sharpe 2nd edition (Page 275)
Alkaline earth metals
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 2 of the Periodic Table
consists of the elements: beryllium, magnesium,
calcium, strontium, barium, and radium. They are
collectively known as the alkaline earth metals. The
name is derived from the observation that they have
such high melting points that they remain solids
(earths) in a fire.

Lectures, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julia Romanova, 2025 2


Alkaline earth metals

Lectures, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julia Romanova, 2025 3


General overview

Be stands apart from the other group 2 metals to a greater extent than does Li from its homologues. For
example, whereas Li+ and Na+ salts (with a common counter-ion) usually crystallize with the same lattice
type, this is not true for Be(II) and Mg(II) compounds. Beryllium compounds tend either to be covalent or to
contain the hydrated [Be(H2O)4]2+ ion.

Lectures, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julia Romanova, 2022 4


electronegativity
Overview atomic radius In periods:
ionization potential Alkaline earth metals are
electron affinity characterized with small
electron affinity, ionization
potential and
electronegativity. Therefore,
they are among strongest
reducing agents and form
ionic bonds with non-metals.

Similar to oxidizing agent and reduction Similar to reducing agent and oxidation
Lectures, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julia Romanova, 2022 5
Overview
In 2 group:
The ionization potential
ionization potential
atomic radius
electronegativity

electron affinity
increases with an increase in
the atomic number. Therefore,
the reducing power of the
alkaline earth metals increases
down in the group.

Similar to reduction Similar to oxidation


Lectures, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julia Romanova, 2022 6
Occurrence
Earth and Man National Museum

The abundance of main elements in the Earth's crust


Beryllium occurs principally as the silicate
mineral beryl, Be3Al2[Si6O18]; it is also found
in many natural minerals, and precious forms
include emerald (Zumrud) and aquamarine.
Magnesium and calcium are the eighth and
fifth most abundant elements, respectively, in
the Earth’s crust, and Mg, the third most
abundant in the sea.
Lectures, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julia Romanova, 2022 7
Occurrence
The elements Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba are widely
distributed in minerals and as dissolved salts
in seawater; some important minerals are
dolomite (CaCO3.MgCO3), magnesite
(MgCO3), olivine ((Mg,Fe)2SiO4), carnallite
(KCl MgCl2.6H2O), CaCO3 (in the forms of
chalk, limestone and marble), gypsum
(CaSO4.2H2O), celestite (SrSO4), strontianite
(SrCO3) and barytes (BaSO4).

The natural abundances of Be, Sr and Ba are


far less than those of Mg and Ca (Fig.11.1).

8
Lectures, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julia Romanova, 2022
Applications Mg/Al alloys are used in aircraft and automobile body parts and lightweight tools.
Be is one of the lightest metals
known, is nonmagnetic, and
has a high thermal
conductivity and a very high
melting point; these properties,
combined with inertness
towards aerial oxidation,
render it of industrial
importance. It is used in the
manufacture of body parts in
CaO (lime) is used as a component in building mortar. Dry sand and CaO mixtures can
high-speed aircraft and
be stored and transported; on adding water, and as CO2 is absorbed, the mortar sets as
missiles, and in
solid CaCO3.
communication satellites. CaO (s) + H2O (l) → Ca(OH)2 (s)
Ca(OH)2 (s) + CO2 (g) →CaCO3 (s) + H2O (l)

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Lectures, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julia Romanova, 2022
Physical properties

Beryllium and magnesium are greyish metals, while the remaining group 2 metals are soft and silver-coloured.
The metals are malleable, ductile and quite brittle; in air, the shiny surface of each metal quickly tarnishes.

10
Lectures, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julia Romanova, 2022
Physical properties
In the vapour state? M2 molecules?

Lectures, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julia Romanova, 2022


The flame test
As for the alkali metals, emission spectra for the group 2 metals are readily observed and flame
tests can be used to distinguish between Ca-, Sr- and Ba containing compounds: Ca (orange-
red, but pale green when viewed through blue glass), Sr (crimson, but violet through blue
glass), Ba (apple-green).
The colorful effect is also used in fireworks.

12
Lectures, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julia Romanova, 2022
Chemical reactivity
Reactivity
Among the most reactive metals and elements. Excellent reducing agents.
The reactivity of alkaline earth metals increases down in the group with an increase in the
atomic radius. When the atomic radium increases the distance between the valence electron
and the nucleus decreases. Thus, the Coulomb (electrostatic) attraction between the nucleus
and the valence electron becomes weaker. As a result, the ionization potential is reduced with
an increase in the atomic number.

Mg
Be Ca

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Lectures, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julia Romanova, 2022
Chemical reactivity
Oxidation state of alkaline earth metals is always +2

CaH2 CaO Ca(OH)2

[Ne] 3s2 [Ne]


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Lectures, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julia Romanova, 2022
Chemical reactivity
Beryllium and magnesium are passivated and are kinetically inert to O2 and H2O at ambient temperatures:

2Be + O2 → BeO (protective oxide coating on metal)

However, Mg amalgam liberates H2 from water, since no coating of oxide forms on its surface; Mg metal reacts with steam or
hot water.

Mg + H2O (steam) → Mg(OH)2 + H2

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Lectures, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julia Romanova, 2022
Chemical reactivity
Scheme illustration the chemical properties of alkaline earth metals.

M=alkaline earth metal


X = halogens 16
Lectures, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julia Romanova, 2022
HOMEWORK
Inorganic_compounds_classification.pptx
In google drive

If M is sodium classify the products, which


contain sodium (MH2, MO, M(OH)2, MSO4,
MCl2)

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Lectures, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julia Romanova, 2022
Compounds
Hydrides – MH2 (M=Be, Mg, Ca, Sr or Ba)
BeH2 is covalent polymeric hydrides.

The hydrides of Mg, Ca, Sr or Ba are saline hydrides.

Mg interacts with H2 only at high pressure. MgH2 is thermally unstable.

Hydrides of Ca, Sr and Ba are soluble in water (Ca2+ and H-). They are less
reactive than hydrides of alkali metals. They are strong reducing agents.

CaH2 + H2O → Ca(OH)2 + 2H2↑


CaH2 + O2 → CaO + H2O
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Lectures, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julia Romanova, 2022
Compounds
Oxides – MO (M=Be, Mg, Ca, Sr or Ba)
Beryllium oxide, BeO, is formed by ignition of Be or its compounds in O2. It is a white solid.
BeO is an amphoteric oxide with covalent Be-O bond. Therefore, it is insoluble in water.

The oxides of the other group 2 metals are usually prepared by thermal decomposition of the
corresponding carbonate:
MCO3 (s) → MO (s) + CO2↑ (g)

The oxides of Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba are basic oxides. They react with water to form bases,
M(OH)2: CaO + HOH (H2O) → 2Ca(OH)2 (calcium dihydroxide)

Reaction with acidic oxides and acids gives salts:


CO2 + MgO → MgCO3 (magnesium carbonate)
2HCl + CaO → H2O + CaCl2 (calcium dichloride) 19
Lectures, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julia Romanova, 2022
Compounds
Hydroxides – M(OH)2 (M=Be, Mg, Ca, Sr or Ba)
Unlike other hydroxides of alkaline earth metals beryllium hydroxide is amphoteric. In the
presence of excess [OH]-, Be(OH)2 behaves as a Lewis acid, i.e. Be(OH)2 reacts with bases.
Due to its amphoteric nature Be(OH)2 also reacts with acids:
Be(OH)2 + 2NaOH → [Be(OH)4]2- + 2Na+
Be(OH)2 + 2HCl → BeCl2 + 2H2O
All other hydroxides of the group 2 elements are bases. The soluble oxides of Ca, Sr and Ba
interact with water to form the corresponding hydroxides. Hydroxides of 2 group elements are
in principle strong but they weaker bases than the hydroxides of alkali metals. The water
solubility of M(OH)2 (M=Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) increase down the group. Magnesium hydroxide acts
as a weak base, whereas Ca(OH)2, Sr(OH)2 and Ba(OH)2 are strong bases.
React with acidic oxides: Ca(OH)2 + CO2 → CaCO3 + H2O
React with acids (neutralization): Ca(OH)2 + H2SO4 → CaSO4 + 2H2O 20
Lectures, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julia Romanova, 2022
Compounds
Halides – MX2 (M=Be, Mg, Ca, Sr or Ba)
Anhydrous beryllium halides are covalent. In the vapour state above 1020 K, BeCl2 is
monomeric and has a linear structure; at lower temperatures, the vapour also contains planar
dimers.

21
Lectures, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julia Romanova, 2022
Compounds
Halides – MX2 (M=Be, Mg, Ca, Sr or Ba)
The fluorides of Mg(II), Ca(II), Sr(II) and Ba(II) are ionic, have high melting points, and are
sparingly soluble in water, the solubility increasing slightly with increasing cation size (Ksp for
MgF2, CaF2, SrF2 and BaF2 are 7.42x10-11, 1.46 x 10-10, 4.33 x 10-9 and 1.84 x 10-7.

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Lectures, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julia Romanova, 2022
Compounds
Carbonates – MCO3 (M=Mg, Ca, Sr or Ba)
The carbonates of Mg and the later metals are sparingly soluble in water; their thermal
stabilities increase with cation size. The metal carbonates are much more soluble in an aqueous
solution of CO2 than in water due to the formation of [HCO3]-. However, salts of the type
‘M(HCO3)2’ have not been isolated.

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Lectures, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julia Romanova, 2022
Compounds
Carbonates – MCO3 (M=Mg, Ca, Sr or Ba)

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Lectures, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julia Romanova, 2022
Compounds
Carbonates – MCO3 (M=Mg, Ca, Sr or Ba)
Hard water
Hard water contains Mg2+ and Ca2+ ions which complex with the stearate ions in soaps,
producing insoluble ‘scum’ in household baths and basins.
Temporary hardness is due to the presence of hydrogencarbonate salts and can be overcome
by boiling or by adding an appropriate amount of Ca(OH)2.

25
Lectures, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julia Romanova, 2022
Compounds
Carbonates – MCO3 (M=Mg, Ca, Sr or Ba)
Hard water
Permanent hardness is caused by other Mg2+ and Ca2+
salts (e.g. sulfates). The process of water softening involves
passing the hard water through a cation-exchange resin.
Washing-machine detergents contain ‘builders’ that remove
Mg2+ and Ca2+ ions from washing water; polyphosphates
have been used for this purpose, but because phosphates are
damaging to the environment, zeolites are used in
preference.

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Lectures, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julia Romanova, 2022
Biological role
Beryllium and soluble barium compounds are extremely toxic.

BaSO4 (barium sulfate) forms the basis for a range of contrast


media used in fluoroscopic examinations of the gastrointestinal
tract. Unlike barium and many of its other salts, barium sulfate is
insoluble in water (Ksp=1.07x10-10) and therefore very little of
the toxic barium metal is absorbed into the body.

27
Lectures, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julia Romanova, 2022
Biological role
An important class of macrocyclic ligands are the porphyrins; deprotonation of
the two NH groups of a porphyrin gives a dianionic porphyrinato ligand.
Chlorophylls, the pigments in green plants involved in photosynthesis, are
porphyrinato derivatives containing Mg2+ coordinated within a square planar
array of the four N-donor atoms.

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Lectures, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julia Romanova, 2022
Biological role

29
Lectures, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julia Romanova, 2022
Biological role

30
Lectures, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julia Romanova, 2022
Biological role
Fluoridated water prevents tooth decay. However, nowadays it’s use is controversial due to side effects.

Teeth are normally composed of a calcium phosphate mineral


hydroxyapatite, which you can denote as either Ca5(PO4)3OH or
3Ca3(PO4)2Ca(OH)2. This mineral salt of the weak acid H2O
(conjugate to OH) dissolves in the presence of the acid medium,
producing cavities in the teeth. Fluoride toothpastes provide F-
ion, which gradually replaces the OH- ion in the teeth to produce
fluorapatite, Ca5(PO4)3F or 3Ca3(PO4)2CaF2, which is much less
soluble than hydroxyapatite.

Because of its more compact crystal structure, the Ksp for fluorapatite (FAP) is lower than the Ksp for hydroxyapatite
(HAP), so its ion product, [Ca2+]10×[PO43–]6×[F–]2, must fall further before demineralization can occur. Lowering
the pH of the fluid surrounding enamel greatly reduces [PO43–] (lowering the ion products of HAP and FAP
equally), but [OH–] falls much more rapidly than [F–], so FAP better resists acid attack.
31
Lectures, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julia Romanova, 2022
Biological role

32
https://edu.rsc.org/ Lectures, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julia Romanova, 2022
Recommended
handbook:

II_A_group_collection_video_experiments.docx

Lectures, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julia Romanova, 2022 33

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