IGCSEChemistryEdexcelChemistry (Modular)Unit 1Revision Notes2. Inorganic Chemistry: Part 1Acids, bases & salt preparationsSolubility Rules

Solubility Rules (Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry (Modular))

Revision Note

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Stewart Hird

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Chemistry Lead

Solubility rules

Ionic compounds are generally soluble in water compared to covalent substances, but there are exceptions
A knowledge of the solubility of ionic compounds helps us to determine the most appropriate method for the preparation of salts
The solubility of common ionic compounds is shown below:

Solubility of the common salts

Salts	Soluble	Insoluble
Sodium, potassium and ammonium	All	None
Nitrates	All	None
Chlorides	Most are soluble	Silver and lead(II)
Sulfates	Most are soluble	Barium, calcium and lead(II)
Carbonates	Carbonates of sodium, potassium and ammonium	Most are insoluble
Hydroxides	Hydroxides of sodium potassium and ammonium (calcium hydroxide is sparingly soluble)	Most are insoluble

Note that calcium hydroxide is slightly soluble in water

Exam Tip

Calcium hydroxide solution is more commonly know as limewater and is used to test for carbon dioxide.

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Author: Stewart Hird

Stewart has been an enthusiastic GCSE, IGCSE, A Level and IB teacher for more than 30 years in the UK as well as overseas, and has also been an examiner for IB and A Level. As a long-standing Head of Science, Stewart brings a wealth of experience to creating Topic Questions and revision materials for Save My Exams. Stewart specialises in Chemistry, but has also taught Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies.