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InterviewSolution
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Why are lithium salts commonly hydrated and those of others alkali ions are usually anhydrous? |
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Answer» Li is the smallest atom in 1st group alkali metal. So Li+ ion is the smallest among the alkali metal ions. The polarising power of ion increases with the decrease in size of the ion. So the polarising power of Li+ is much greater than that of any other ion of the group and is therefore capable of polarising water molecules to entrap them as water of crystallization showing high value of enthalpy of hydration. The hydration enthalpies of alkali metal ions decrease with increase in ionic sizes. Li+ > Na+ > K+ > Rb+ > Cs+ Li+ has maximum degree of hydration and for this reason lithium salts are mostly hydrated. |
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