Скачать или смотреть Peculiar behavior of lithium|chemistry lectures hub|easy explanation

1. Small Atomic and Ionic Size

Lithium has the smallest size among all alkali metals.

Due to this, it has high charge density which makes its compounds more polar and stable.



2. High Polarizing Power

Because of its small size and high charge, lithium ion (Li⁺) strongly attracts the negative part of other atoms or molecules.

This results in covalent character in many lithium compounds, unlike other alkali metals which form mainly ionic compounds.



3. Strongly Hydrated Ion

Li⁺ ion attracts water molecules strongly.

Therefore, lithium salts are highly soluble in water and show high hydration enthalpy compared to other alkali metals.



4. Difference in Reactivity

Lithium reacts less vigorously with water compared to sodium or potassium.

This is due to its high ionization energy and stronger metallic bonding.



5. Formation of Stable Oxide

Lithium forms a stable oxide (Li₂O), while other alkali metals usually form peroxides or superoxides.



6. Lithium Salts’ Behavior

Lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃) and lithium hydroxide (LiOH) are less stable to heat compared to corresponding salts of other alkali metals.

This is due to the strong polarizing nature of Li⁺, which destabilizes large anions like CO₃²⁻.



7. Diagonal Relationship with Magnesium

Lithium shows properties similar to magnesium (element of group 2).

Both form covalent compounds, nitrides, and show similar solubility trends.



8. Passivation by Nitrogen

Lithium gets covered with a thin film of lithium nitride (Li₃N) when it reacts with nitrogen, which protects it from further rapid reaction.

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