s Block Elements
3.0 Anamolous Behaviour of Lithium
3.0 Anamolous Behaviour of Lithium
Due to the exceptionally smaller size of Li atom, there is a difference between lithium and other alkali metals. Li has highest ionization energy and electronegativity as compared to other alkali metals. Some differences are:
- Melting and boiling point are much higher than those of other alkali metals.
- Much harder than other alkali metals.
- Reacts least readily with oxygen forming oxide.
- $LiOH$ is less basic than other hydroxides.
- Only alkali metal which directly reacts with nitrogen to form $Li_3N$.
- Due to small size of lithium, cannot form double salts (alums) from their sulphates.
- Due to strong polarizing action of small $Li^+$ on large $C{O_3}^{2 - }$ ion, Carbonates are not thermally stable.
