2A: Alkaline Earth Metals

What are the alkaline earth metals?

Beryllium (Be), Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca), Strontium (Sr), Barium (Ba), Radium (Ra)

What is the valence of alkaline earth metals?

+2

What is the most toxic alkaline earth metal that is never used in medicine?

Beryllium (Be)

What is the primary use of Magnesium (Mg) in plants?

Chlorophyll in photosynthesis.

Magnesium (Mg

Lightest of structurally important metals

What is the Grignard Reagent used for?

Alcohol synthesis (magnesium)

What double salts do alkaline earth metals commonly come in?

Mg silicates (talc, asbestos), Mg carbonates (magnesite, dolomite), Mg sulfate (Kieserite).

What are the primary uses of Calcium (Ca)?

Muscle contractant and blood coagulation factor.

What is an important source of Calcium found in nature?

Apatite (CaF2 and Ca3(PO4)2).

What process involves heating calcium carbonate to produce lime?

Calcination.

How is slaked lime produced?

By controlled addition of water to CaO.

What metal is used in flare manufacture and is radioactive?

Strontium (Sr).

What is a major industrial use of Zinc (Zn)?

Insulin production, battery and dry cell container.

How does Cadmium (Cd) affect metallothioneins?

It has a high affinity for metallothioneins (stress proteins).

What is the most toxic form of Mercury (Hg)?

Mercuric (Hg2+).

What is the traditional use of Mercury (Hg) in thermometers?

It is used in thermometers due to its liquid state.

Why must care be taken when handling Mercury spills?

It is toxic and hazardous; cover with sulfur to remove it.

Other names of Mg

Hydrargyrum, Quicksilver, Messenger of Gods, Asoge

Radium (Ra