Solubility Rules (Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry (Modular))

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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

Examiner Tip

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

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