How do solubility tables work

The following are the solubility rules for common ionic solids. If there two rules appear to contradict each other, the preceding rule takes precedence. According to Rule 5, carbonates tend to be insoluble. Therefore, FeCO 3 is likely to form a precipitate. This is perchlorate, which according to Rule 2 is likely to be soluble. Therefore, it will not form a precipitate. For b , Rule 1 indicates that table salt NaCl is soluble because it is a salt of an alkali metal.

Rule 4 states that bromides are usually soluble, but Rule 3 states that salts of silver are insoluble. Because Rule 3 precedes Rule 4, the compound is insoluble and will form a precipitate. The products of the reaction must be examined; if either of the substances formed in the reaction is insoluble, a precipitate will form. Considering NaNO 3 , Rule 3 states that nitrates tend to be soluble. A precipitate of this compound will not form.

Next, consider Ag 2 S. According to Rule 5, that sulfides tend to be insoluble. Therefore, because of this compound, a precipitate will form in the course of this reaction. The first product, KOH, is an example of two rules contradicting each other. Boundless vets and curates high-quality, openly licensed content from around the Internet. This particular resource used the following sources:. Skip to main content. Aqueous Reactions. Search for:. Key Points Solubility is the relative ability of a solute to dissolve into a solvent.

Several factors affect the solubility of a given solute in a given solvent. Temperature often plays the largest role, although pressure can have a significant effect for gases. Show Sources Boundless vets and curates high-quality, openly licensed content from around the Internet.

Licenses and Attributions. This is a simplified table to demonstrate how the solubility rules work. The below 3 examples show the 3 basic cases: soluble, insoluble, and undetermined. This means that NaCl is soluble in water. It dissolves. Review the names and formulas for ionic compounds if you are unclear on this.

Furthermore, the fifth line of the Solubility Table says that most compounds with chloride Cl — are soluble. For a second reason, NaCl is clearly soluble or aq. The eighth row about sulfate compounds says, in the right column, that BaSO 4 is specifically an insoluble compound.

This compound, barium sulfate, remains solid s in water and is a common precipitate. Note that whether is BaSO 4 soluble or insoluble requires some knowledge of polyatomic ions. Review sulfate and other polyatomics if you are unclear of this. Also note the above Solubility Table is specifically hiding some important information. It so happens that barium sulfate does precipitate at low temperatures, but it will not precipitate at higher temperatures much above room temperature.

So, is BaSO 4 soluble or insoluble? Well, it really depends on the temperature. The point here is that some Solubility Tables show the temperature dependence but most do not.