Kushagra Madhukar
Last Activity: 4 Years ago
Dear student,
Please find the answer to your question.
Lithium is the smallest in size among the alkali metals. Hence, Li+ ion can polarize water molecules more easily than other alkali metals.
As a result, water molecules get attached to lithium salts as water of crystallization. Hence, lithium salts such as trihydrated lithium chloride (LiC1.3H20) are commonly hydrated.
As the size of the ions increases, their polarizing power decreases. Hence, other alkali metal ions usually form anhydrous salts.
Hope it helps.
Thanks and regards,
Kushagra