Salt which is (are) least likely to find in minerals

Options

A. Acetate
B. Nitrate
C. Chloride
D. Sulphate

Explanation

To determine which salts are least likely to be found in minerals, we need to analyze the given options based on their solubility and occurrence in nature.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Question**:
- We need to identify which salts among the given options are least likely to be found in minerals.

2. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Option 1: Acetate (CH3COO-)**: Acetates are generally not very stable in mineral forms and are less commonly found in nature compared to other salts.
- **Option 2: Nitrate (NO3-)**: Nitrates are also not very stable and are less likely to be found in solid mineral forms due to their high solubility in water.
- **Option 3: Chloride (Cl-)**: Chlorides, such as sodium chloride (NaCl), are very common in minerals (e.g., halite).
- **Option 4: Sulfate (SO4^2-)**: Sulfates, like sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), are also commonly found in minerals (e.g., gypsum).

3. **Evaluating Solubility**:
- Salts that are less soluble in water are generally more likely to form solid mineral deposits.
- Acetates and nitrates are more soluble than chlorides and sulfates.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the analysis, the salts that are least likely to be found in minerals are **acetate** and **nitrate** due to their high solubility and instability in solid forms.

### Final Answer:
The salts least likely to be found in minerals are **acetate and nitrate**.

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