Question

Chlorides of which metal are soluble in organic solvents:

• A. $Mg$
• B. $Ca$
• C. $K$
• D. $Be$

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

To determine which metal chloride is soluble in organic solvents, we need to consider the nature and chemical properties of the metal and its corresponding chlorides:

1. \(MgCl_2\) (Magnesium Chloride): Magnesium chloride is an ionic compound. Ionic compounds are generally soluble in water but insoluble in organic solvents. Therefore, \(MgCl_2\) would not dissolve in organic solvents.
2. \(CaCl_2\) (Calcium Chloride): Similar to magnesium chloride, calcium chloride is also an ionic compound. Such compounds are more soluble in polar solvents like water rather than organic solvents. Therefore, \(CaCl_2\) would not dissolve in organic solvents.
3. \(KCl\) (Potassium Chloride): Potassium chloride is highly ionic and is also typically soluble in water but not in organic solvents which are non-polar. Thus, \(KCl\) also does not dissolve in organic solvents.
4. \(BeCl_2\) (Beryllium Chloride): Unlike the others, beryllium chloride exhibits covalent bonding characteristics. Due to these covalent properties, \(BeCl_2\) displays solubility in some organic solvents such as alcohols or ethers, rather than water. This covalent characteristic is due to the small size of beryllium and its ability to form covalent bonds.

Given this analysis, the chlorides of beryllium (\(BeCl_2\)) are soluble in organic solvents, making \(\text{Be}\) the correct answer.

Conclusion: The correct answer is \(\text{Be}\), as its chlorides can dissolve in organic solvents due to their covalent character.