Question

Both lithium and magnesium display several similar properties due to the diagonal relationship; however, the one which is incorrect, is :

• A. Both form nitrides
• B. Nitrates of both $Li$ and $Mg$ yield $NO_2$ and $O_2$ on heating
• C. Both form basic carbonates
• D. Both form soluble bicarbonates

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Both form basic carbonates

Answer 2

Mg forms basic carbonate

$3 MgCO _{3} \cdot Mg ( OH )_{2} \cdot 3 H _{2} O$ but no such basic carbonate is formed by Li.