Question

Why is lithium the strongest reducing agent?

Answer 1

1. An element that functions as a reducing agent must have a low ionisation energy. Alkali metals are effective reducing agents due to their low ionisation energies.
2. As one transitions from Li to Cs, ionisation decreases, which causes the lowering characteristic to increase.
3. Despite its small size, Lithium-ion has a large ionisation enthalpy. Additionally, more solvent molecules may easily surround the cationic sphere.
4. On the other hand, due to its small size, it is well hydrated and has a very high hydration enthalpy.
5. The substantial energy needed to remove electrons is made up for by the high enthalpy of hydration.
6. Li, in comparison to other alkali metals, has a higher propensity to lose electrons in solution.
7. It is the strongest reducing agent despite having the highest ionisation enthalpy because of the amount of hydration energy it contains.