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JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3sb071

Which reagent can be used to distinguish from , both being white solids insoluble in water?

  1. Aexcess aqueous sodium hydroxide, which dissolves only
  2. Bdilute hydrochloric acid, which dissolves only Mg(OH)2
  3. Ccarbon dioxide gas, which dissolves only Be(OH)2
  4. Dhot water, which dissolves only Be(OH)2

Answer: A

Be(OH)2 is amphoteric and dissolves in excess NaOH to form , while Mg(OH)2 is purely basic and does not. Dilute HCl dissolves both, so it cannot distinguish them.
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