Why are lithium salts commonly hydrated and those of the other alkali ions usually anhydrous
Answers
Lithium is the smallest in size among the alkali metals. Hence, Li+ ion can polarize water molecules more easily than other alkali metals. As a result, water molecules get attached to lithium salts as water of crystallization. Hence, lithium salts such as trihydrated lithium chloride (LiCl.3H20) are commonly hydrated. As the size of the ions increases, their polarizing power decreases.
Hence, other alkali metal ions usually form anhydrous salts.
Answer:
Lithium salts are commonly hydrated like LICL 2H2O whereas other alkali ions usually anhydrous
The hydration enthalpy of Li+ ion is maximum among the alkali metal ions . Because of its extremely small size , Li+ in is maximum hydrated and therefore , the effective size of Li+ in aqueous solution is the largest .The hydration enthalpy decreases with increase in ionic size
Li+>Na+>K+> Rb+>Cs+
Therefore, the ions of other alkali metals are usually anhydrous
Explanation: