Question

Aqueous solution of two compounds M₁–O–H and M₂–O–H are prepared in two different beakers. If the electronegativity of M₁ = 3.4 , M₂ = 1.2, O = 3.5 and H = 2.1, then the nature of two solution will be respectively –

• A. Acidic, basic
• B. Acidic, acidic
• C. Basic, acidic
• D. Basic, basic

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Acidic, basic

Answer 2

The electronegatively difference between M₁ and O is 0.1. Which indicates M₁ – O bond will be covalent, O – H bond having more ionic character will break and H⁺ ions will release, and acidic solution is formed. Where as difference between electronegativity of M₂ and O bond is 2.3 thus M₂ – OH bond will break. Hence the solution will be basic in nature.

Hence (1) is correct.