Question

Which one of the following alkaline earth metal sulphates has its hydration enthalpy greater than its lattice enthalpy?

• A. $CaSO_4$
• B. $BeSO_4$
• C. $BaSO_4$
• D. $SrSO_4$

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

$BeSO_4$

Answer 2

Beryllium sulfate $(BeSO_4)$ possesses a hydration enthalpy that surpasses its lattice enthalpy. This characteristic leads to its remarkable water solubility. As you move down the group, the solubility of sulfates of alkaline earth metals diminishes. This results in barium sulfate and radium sulfate being practically insoluble.

So, the correct option is (B): $BeSO_4$.