Question:

The pair of s-block metals which do not form solid hydrogen carbonates is

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Important exceptions: \[ LiHCO_3 \] and \[ Mg(HCO_3)_2 \] do not exist as stable solids.
Updated On: Jun 17, 2026
  • Na, Mg
  • Li, Mg
  • Na, Ca
  • K, Ba
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Concept: Hydrogen carbonates (bicarbonates) of alkali metals are generally stable in solid state except lithium. Among alkaline earth metals, magnesium does not form stable solid bicarbonate. These bicarbonates exist only in aqueous solution.

Step 1:
Consider lithium.
Lithium has very small ionic size and high polarizing power. Therefore, \[ LiHCO_3 \] is unstable and cannot exist as a stable solid.

Step 2:
Consider magnesium.
Magnesium bicarbonate \[ Mg(HCO_3)_2 \] exists only in solution and decomposes on isolation. Hence it does not exist as a solid.

Step 3:
Identify the correct pair.
The pair of s-block metals that do not form solid hydrogen carbonates is \[ \boxed{Li,\ Mg} \]
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