Question

Explain why the lkaline earth metal oxides are less basic than those of alkali metals

Answer 1

The oxides of alkali metals are very basic in nature. This happens due to the highly electropositive nature of alkali metals, which makes these oxides highly ionic. Hence, they readily dissociate in water to give hydroxide ions. ... This is because alkaline earth metals are less electropositive than alkali metals.

Answer 2

Answer:

This is because alkaline earth metals are less electropositive than alkali metals

Explanation:

• The hydroxides of alkaline Earth metals are more ionic than the hydroxides of alkali metals. It is because the hydroxide of alkaline Earth metals have greater lattice enthalpy than hydroxides of alkali metals which make the hydroxides of alkali metals less ionic than hydroxides of alkaline Earth metals.
• As hydroxides of alkali metals are less ionic so it'd be easier for such compounds to dissociate in water than hydroxides of alkaline Earth metals. Since, hydroxide of alkali metals metals can dissociate more easily into cation and hydroxide ion makes these compounds more basic.