When MgCl2.6H2O is strongly heated, then it forms : — s Block Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: Magnesium chloride hexahydrate (MgCl2 . 6H2O) undergoes hydrolytic decomposition when heated strongly rather than simple dehydration. Step 2: The reaction proceeds as: MgCl2 . 6H2O --Δ--> MgO + 2HCl + 5H2O. Step 3: This occurs because of the high polarizing power of the small Mg^2+ ion, which polarizes the water of crystallization to undergo hydrolysis rather than losing it as steam. Thus, the final solid product is MgO (option a).