3 Ways To Memorize The Solubility Rules For Common Ionic Compounds In Water

For example: KCl and LiOH are soluble in water.

For example: KNO3, NaClO3, and CH3COONa are all soluble.

For example: NH4OH is soluble even though it contains a hydroxide.

For example: Fe(OH)3, Al(OH)3, and Co(OH)2 are insoluble, but LiOH and NaOH are soluble.

For example: AgCl and Hg2Cl2 are both insoluble. Note that PbCl2, PbBr2, and PbI2 are soluble in HOT water. [6] X Research source

For example: Compounds like CaCO3, PbCrO4, and Ag3PO4 are all insoluble while compounds like Na3PO4 and (NH4)2CO3 are soluble.

For example: Na2SO4 is completely soluble, but CaSO4 and BaSO4 are not soluble.

For example: CdS, FeS, and ZnS are all insoluble. On the other hand, sulfides of transition metals are highly insoluble.

N: Nitrates (NO3-) A: Acetates (CH3COO-) G: Group 1 alkali metals (Li+, Na+, etc) S: Sulfates (SO4-2) A: Ammonium ions (NH4+) G: Group 17 nonmetals (F-, Cl-, Br-, I-, etc. )

When writing out the mnemonic, put a star next to PMS and a similar star next to the S and G of SAG to remember these are exceptions.

When writing the mnemonic, put a cross next to Castro Bear and another cross next to the S in SAG to remember that these ions are exceptions to the sulfate solubility.

Ask friends and family to quiz you on the solubility rules at lunch or over dinner. Keep a copy of the rules handy to review if you have some downtime.

Carry your flashcards with you and take them out if you’re sitting in the car or waiting around for friends. Any amount of downtime is good for reviewing flashcards.

Frequently practice writing out the mnemonic and what each letter stands for so you don’t forget. When you get a test or quiz, write out the mnemonic first, so you can reference it the rest of the time.