Which one of the following elements does not form solid hydrogen carbonate?
Sodium
Potassium
Caesium
Lithium
Answer is Right!
Answer is Wrong!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2016
LiHCO₃ exists in aqueous solution, but when attempts are made to isolate it as a solid, it readily decomposes upon heating or dehydration into lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃), water (H₂O), and carbon dioxide (CO₂). This instability prevents the formation of a stable solid crystalline LiHCO₃ under normal conditions, unlike NaHCO₃, KHCO₃, CsHCO₃, etc., which are stable solids. This difference is often attributed to Lithium’s small ionic size and relatively high polarizing power (diagonal relationship with Magnesium).