Why are and
readily soluble in water while
,
and
are insoluble?
The solubility of sulphates of group 2 elements depends on their hydration energy, which decreases down the group. The lattice energy of group 2 sulphates is almost the same. The very high hydration enthalpy of and
ions overcomes the lattice enthalpy, and their sulphates are soluble. However, in other elements of Group 2, the hydration enthalpy is not high enough to overcome the lattice enthalpy. So, they remain insoluble in water.