Question

What are all the solubility rules?

Answer 1

Solubility rules are general guidelines used to predict the solubility of ionic compounds in water. While these rules can provide a useful framework, it is important to note that they are not absolute and there can be exceptions. Here are some commonly recognized solubility rules:

1. All compounds containing Group 1 (alkali metal) cations (e.g., Na+, K+) and the ammonium ion (NH4+) are soluble. Examples include sodium chloride (NaCl) and ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3).

2. Most nitrate (NO3-) compounds are soluble. Examples include potassium nitrate (KNO3) and silver nitrate (AgNO3).

3. Most acetate (CH3COO-) compounds are soluble. Examples include sodium acetate (NaCH3COO) and lead(II) acetate (Pb(CH3COO)2).

4. Most chlorate (ClO3-) compounds are soluble. Examples include potassium chlorate (KClO3) and barium chlorate (Ba(ClO3)2).

5. Most perchlorate (ClO4-) compounds are soluble. Examples include sodium perchlorate (NaClO4) and magnesium perchlorate (Mg(ClO4)2).

6. Most sulfate (SO4^2-) compounds are soluble, except for those containing calcium (Ca^2+), strontium (Sr^2+), barium (Ba^2+), lead (Pb^2+), and silver (Ag+) cations. Examples of soluble sulfates include sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) and potassium sulfate (K2SO4).

7. Most hydroxide (OH-) compounds are only slightly soluble, except for those containing Group 1 (alkali metal) cations and calcium (Ca^2+), strontium (Sr^2+), and barium (Ba^2+) cations. Examples include sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH).

8. Most sulfide (S^2-) compounds are only slightly soluble, except for those containing Group 1 (alkali metal) cations, ammonium (NH4+), and alkaline earth metals (Ca^2+, Sr^2+, and Ba^2+). Examples include sodium sulfide (Na2S) and ammonium sulfide (NH4)2S.

9. Most carbonates (CO3^2-), phosphates (PO4^3-), and oxides (O^2-) are only slightly soluble, except for those containing Group 1 (alkali metal) cations and ammonium (NH4+). Examples include sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) and ammonium phosphate (NH4)3PO4.

Remember that these are general rules and there may be exceptions based on factors such as temperature and concentration. It's always a good idea to consult a reliable reference or conduct experiments to confirm the solubility of specific compounds.