Question

Aqueous solutions of two compounds $M-O-H$ and $M^{\prime }-O-H$ have been prepared in two different beakers. If the electronegativity of $M=3.5,M^{\prime }=1.72,O=3.0$ and $H=2.1$, then the solutions respectively are:

• A. acidic, acidic
• B. acidic, basic
• C. basic, basic
• D. basic, acidic

Answer 1

The correct option is B acidic, basic

In the compound $M-O-H$, if ionization enthalpy or electronegativity of $M$ is low, the compound will act as a base and if the ionization enthalpy or electronegativity of $M$ is high, the compound will behave as an acid. Therefore, $M-O-H$ will act as an acid as electronegativity of $M$ is high (3.5) and $M-O-H$ will act as a base as electronegativity of $M^{\prime }$ is low (1.72).