Question

Which is more basic $\mathrm{LiOH}\mathrm{or}\mathrm{CsOH}$?

Answer 1

1. Bases are formed either by accepting the Hydrogen ion or by donating the pair of electrons.
2. Down the group the size of an atom increases.
3. The compounds whose ions get easily ionized will be considered as most basic.
4. Ionization depends on the size of cations, larger is the size of a cation greater will be the basic characters.
5. The hydroxide ion is smaller in size and so is the Lithium which is also smaller in size.
6. Therefore they make a covalent bond and do not produce many hydroxyl ions in the solution.
7. But in the case of Cesium, it is much bigger in size compared with Hydroxide ions, so they easily give Hydroxide ions and are much more basic than Lithium Hydroxide.
8. Hence we concluded that Cesium hydroxide is more basic than Lithium Hydroxide.