The hydration enthalpy (∆H(hydration ) ) of ions generally depends on the charge density of the ions. Higher charge density results in stronger interactions with water molecules and thus a more negative (exothermic) hydration enthalpy. The charge density is influenced by both the charge and the ionic radius: smaller ions with the same charge will have higher charge density and thus a more negative ∆H(hydration ). For the given ions: Cr2+,Co2+,Mn2+,Ni2+
We need to consider the ionic radii to determine the order of hydration enthalpy. Typically, the ionic radii decrease across the period from left to right. Given the position of these elements in the periodic table, the approximate order of ionic radii (from largest to smallest) is: Mn2+>Cr2+>Co2+>Ni2+
Since smaller ionic radii correspond to higher charge density and thus more negative hydration enthalpy, the order of ∆H(hydration ) values (from less negative to more negative) will be: Mn2+<Cr2+<Co2+<Ni2+ Hence, the correct option is: Option D Mn2+<Cr2+<Co2+<Ni2+