Which one of the following elements does not form solid hydrogen

Which one of the following elements does not form solid hydrogen carbonate?

Sodium
Potassium
Caesium
Lithium
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2016
Lithium (Li) is the first element in the alkali metal group (Group 1). While other alkali metals (Sodium, Potassium, Rubidium, Caesium) form stable solid hydrogen carbonates (MΗCO₃), Lithium hydrogen carbonate (LiHCO₃) is significantly less stable as a solid.
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).
The stability of alkali metal bicarbonates increases down the group. Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and Potassium bicarbonate are common solid compounds.
Exit mobile version