Why does beryllium chloride form a hydrate of formula #BeCl_2*2H_2O#, whereas magnesium chloride forms a hydrate of formula #MgCl_2*4H_2O#?

1 Answer
anor277
Oct 5, 2017

Consider the size of beryllium versus magnesium......

Explanation:

You have a Period 3 dication versus a Period 2 dication.....The Period 3 dication should BE MUCH LARGER. For data consider the illustration......

And the larger dication requires MORE solvents of crystallization, and its size allows it to draft in 6 water molecules...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ionic_radius

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