Question

Explain
1) How does basic character of oxides and hydroxides changes down the group of alkali metal?
2) How does reducing power of alkali metals changes down the group?

Answer 1

1.) The alkali metal oxides are basic in nature. They can easily donate hydroxide ion to the solution. As we move down the group, the size of the metal ion increases, so the bonding between the metal and hydroxide ion is weak. Hence, they can easily lose OH^- ion. So, down the group, basicity of alkali metal oxides and hydroxides increases.
2.) Reducing nature depends on the releasing of hydrogen. The electron donating metals are reducing in nature. M-H bond can be easily dissociated because as we move down the group, the size of alkali metal increases. So, reducing nature increases down the group.