IGCSEScienceEdexcelScience (Double Award) (Modular)Chemistry Unit 1Revision Notes2. Inorganic Chemistry: Part 1Acids, bases & salt preparationsSolubility Rules

Solubility Rules (Edexcel IGCSE Science (Double Award) (Modular)): Revision Note

Exam code: 4XSD1

Stewart Hird

Written by: Stewart Hird

Reviewed by: Philippa Platt

Updated on

Edexcel Science (Double Award) (Modular): Chemistry Unit 1Edexcel Chemistry (Modular): Unit 1Edexcel Science (Double Award): ChemistryEdexcel Chemistry

Solubility rules

  • Ionic compounds are generally soluble in water compared to covalent substances, but there are exceptions

  • A knowledge of the solubility of ionic compounds helps us to determine the most appropriate method for the preparation of salts

  • The solubility of common ionic compounds is shown below:

Solubility of the common salts

Salts

Soluble

Insoluble

Sodium, potassium and ammonium 

All

None

Nitrates

All

None

Chlorides

Most are soluble

Silver and lead(II)

Sulfates

Most are soluble

Barium, calcium and lead(II)

Carbonates

Carbonates of sodium, potassium and ammonium

Most are insoluble

Hydroxides

Hydroxides of sodium potassium and ammonium (calcium hydroxide is sparingly soluble)

Most are insoluble

  • Note that calcium hydroxide is slightly soluble in water

Examiner Tips and Tricks

Calcium hydroxide solution is more commonly know as limewater and is used to test for carbon dioxide.

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Stewart Hird

Author: Stewart Hird

Expertise: Chemistry Content Creator

Stewart has been an enthusiastic GCSE, IGCSE, A Level and IB teacher for more than 30 years in the UK as well as overseas, and has also been an examiner for IB and A Level. As a long-standing Head of Science, Stewart brings a wealth of experience to creating Topic Questions and revision materials for Save My Exams. Stewart specialises in Chemistry, but has also taught Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies.

Philippa Platt

Reviewer: Philippa Platt

Expertise: Chemistry Content Creator

Philippa has worked as a GCSE and A level chemistry teacher and tutor for over thirteen years. She studied chemistry and sport science at Loughborough University graduating in 2007 having also completed her PGCE in science. Throughout her time as a teacher she was incharge of a boarding house for five years and coached many teams in a variety of sports. When not producing resources with the chemistry team, Philippa enjoys being active outside with her young family and is a very keen gardener