Question

Give reasons for difference of lithium from other alkali metals

Answer 1

Answer:

Although lithium has some similar properties to that of other alkali metals, there are some different and unique properties as well. Lithium compounds require more acids to neutralize its alkaline solutions than other alkali metals. In other words, lithium forms the strongest alkaline solutions. Lithium is the only alkali metal that can react with nitrogen. It gives lithium nitride salt. At room temperature and pressure, lithium metal reacts with nitrogen gas as follows.

Li(s)  +  N2(g)      →     2Li3N(s)

Lithium has the least density among alkali metals. It does not freely occur in nature due to its high reactivity. When lithium metal is kept exposed to air, it oxidizes quickly, forming oxide coating in black color.

Explanation:

Answer 2

Answer:

1. Lithium is harder than other alkali metals.
2. Melting and boiling point is higher than other alkali metals.
3. Lithium is least reactive out of all alkali metals.
4. It is a strong reducing agent compared to other alkali metal.
5. It is the only alkali metal that form the monoxide, Li2O.                          4Li(s) + O2(g) → 2Li2O(s)
6. Unlike other alkali metals, it forms Li3N.                                                    6 Li + N2→ 2 Li3N
7. It does not form solid hydrogen carbonates compared to other alkali metals.
8. Lithium does not react with ethyne to form ethynide. But all other alkali metals form ethynide.
9. Lithium nitrate on heating form lithium monoxide as compared to other alkali metals which forms nitrites on decomposition.                                   4 LiNO3→ 2 Li2O + 4NO2 + O2
10. Lithium reacts slowly with bromine as compared to other alkali metals.
11. Lithium when heated in NH3 forms amide, Li2 NH while other alkali metals form amides, MNH2. M can be other alkali metals.