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Question

Why are lithium salts commonly hydrated and those of the other alkali ions usually anhydrous?

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Solution

Among alkali metal ions, Li(I) has smallest size due to which it can easily polarize water molecules. Li salts get bonded to water of crystallization. The lithium chloride contains 2 water molecules per mole of LiCl. The other alkali metals being bigger in size cannot easily polarize water molecules. Hence, there salts do not get bonded to water of crystallization.

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