How can you memorize chemistry solubility rules?

1 Answer
Feb 11, 2017

How else but by rote? And you must also learn the exceptions....

Explanation:

So how good is my memory? And note that we refer to aqueous solutions only. These follow a hierarchy.

#"All nitrate/acetate/perchlorate/ammonium salts are soluble."#

#"All alkali metal salts are soluble, except for"# #KBPh_4#.

#"All halides are soluble, except for " AgX, Hg_2X_2, and PbX_2#.

#"All sulfates are soluble, except for "BaSO_4, Ag_2SO_4, PbSO_4, SrSO_4.#

#"All carbonates are insoluble (except for those of the alkali metals)"#

#"All hydroxides are insoluble (except for those of the alkali metals)".#

#"All sulfides are insoluble (except for those of the alkali metals)".#

#"All phosphates are insoluble (except for those of the alkali metals)."#

Have at it. This is the knowledge I would expect of a 2nd year inorganic chemistry student. At A level, you must know that the halides are SOLUBLE, but that #AgX, Hg_2X_2, PbX_2# are as soluble as BRICKS. Are bricks soluble? I think, you should also know at A level that #"silver chloride"# is curdy white, #"silver bromide"# is cream-coloured, and #"silver iodide"# is bright yellow.