Question

Beryllium chloride, BeCl₂, is a covalent compound, which reacts with water to produce a solution containing Be(H₂O)42+ and chloride ions which have water molecules more loosely attached to them.

The four water molecules attached to the beryllium ion are joined to it with co-ordinate (dative covalent) bonds where empty orbitals on the beryllium each accept a lone pair from a water molecule.
Explain how water molecules become attached to the chloride ions.

Answer 1

The chloride ions become attached to water molecules through a process called hydration. The oxygen atom in water, which has a partial negative charge, is attracted to the positive charge of the chloride ion, forming an ion-dipole bond.

Step-by-step explanation:

The chloride ions become attached to water molecules through a process called hydration. When BeCl₂ reacts with water, the chloride ions (Cl⁻) attract water molecules due to their positive charge. The oxygen atom in water, which has a partial negative charge, is attracted to the positive charge of the chloride ion. This attraction forms an ion-dipole bond, where the partially negative oxygen atom of water interacts with the positive chloride ion. As a result, the chloride ion becomes surrounded by water molecules in the solution.