In spite of having the highest Ionization Potential among the alkali metals, why is Lithium the strongest reducing agent?
Answer:
The hydration energy of Li+ is the highest among the alkali metals as it has very high charge density due to very small size. The energy released in the process of hydration is more than the amount of energy spent on ionizing Li.
If the energy spent in ionizing Li to Li+ is E1 and the energy recovered in hydrating Li+ to Li+(aq) is E2, then E2 > E1. The overall process of converting Li(g) to Li+(aq)is thus energetically favoured. Hence Li acts as a strong reducing agent.
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