Advertisements
Advertisements
Question
Comment on the following observation:
Lithium is the only alkali metal to form a nitride directly.
Advertisements
Solution
Unlike the other elements of group 1, Li reacts directly with nitrogen to form lithium nitride. This is because Li+ is very small in size and so its size is the most compatible with the N3– ion. Hence, the lattice energy released is very high. This energy also overcomes the high amount of energy required for the formation of the N3– ion.
RELATED QUESTIONS
In what ways lithium shows similarities to magnesium in its chemical behaviour?
Why is Li2CO3 decomposed at a lower temperature whereas Na2CO3 at a higher temperature?
What happens when magnesium is burnt in air.
What happens when quick lime is heated with silica?
What happens when chlorine reacts with slaked lime?
What happens when calcium nitrate is heated?
Why is LiF almost insoluble in water whereas LiCl soluble not only in water but also in acetone?
Lithium resembles magnesium in some of its properties. Mention two such properties and give reasons for this resemblance.
All compounds of alkali metals are easily soluble in water but lithium compounds are more soluble in organic solvents. Explain.
Assertion (A): The carbonate of lithium decomposes easily on heating to form lithium oxide and CO2.
Reason (R): Lithium being very small in size polarises large carbonate ion leading to the formation of more stable Li2O and CO2.
Lithium hydride can be used to prepare other useful hydrides. Beryllium hydride is one of them. Suggest a route for the preparation of beryllium hydride starting from lithium hydride. Write chemical equations involved in the process.
