Question

Lithium is the strongest reducing agent though it has highest ionisation energy in its group. Which of the following factors is responsible for making $Li$ the strongest reducing agent?

• A. Large heat of atomisation
• B. Smaller size
• C. Large sublimation energy
• D. Large amount of hydration enthalpy

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Large amount of hydration enthalpy

Answer 2

Large amount of hydration energy makes it strongest reducing agent inspite of its highest ionisation enthalpy. ${M_{(s)}->[\text {Sublimation}][\text {energy}]}$ ${M_{(g)}->[\text {Ionisation}][\text {energy}]}$ ${M^+_{(g)}->[\text {Hydration}][\text {energy}]M^+_{(aq)}}$