Alkali metals: trends and anomalous behaviour of lithium
s-Block Elements · Chemistry
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Li is the strongest reducing agent in water, though Cs has the lowest IE. Explain. Step 1: Reducing power in solution depends on M → M⁺(aq) overall energy. Step 2: Li⁺ is tiny → enormous hydration enthalpy (−520 kJ/mol) released. Step 3: This outweighs Li's higher IE; net ΔH favours Li oxidation most. Step 4: So E°(Li⁺/Li) = −3.04 V — most negative! Hydration beats ionisation.