Question:

The alkaline earth metal nitrate that does not crystallise with water molecules, is :

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Hydration of nitrates depends on cation size; the largest alkaline earth cation, Ba, has the lowest hydration energy and gives the anhydrous nitrate.
Updated On: Nov 5, 2026
  • \(\mathrm{Mg(NO_3)_2}\)
  • \(\mathrm{Sr(NO_3)_2}\)
  • \(\mathrm{Ca(NO_3)_2}\)
  • \(\mathrm{Ba(NO_3)_2}\)
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Hydration enthalpy of the M2+ ion decreases down Group 2 because the ionic size increases.
Mg(NO3)2 crystallises as Mg(NO3)2.6H2O, Ca(NO3)2 as Ca(NO3)2.4H2O and Sr(NO3)2 as Sr(NO3)2.4H2O, since these smaller ions have high hydration energy.
Ba2+ is the largest ion, its hydration energy is too small to hold water in the crystal lattice, so barium nitrate crystallises in the anhydrous form Ba(NO3)2.
Answer: (4) \(\mathrm{Ba(NO_3)_2}\)
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