Question

(i) Lil is covalent in nature. Why? 

(ii) Li is kept wrapped in paraffin wax and not stored in kerosene. Why? 

(iii) Why BeCl₂ in aqueous solution exists as [BE(H₂O)₄]²⁺

Answer 1

(i) Because of the small size and higher polarizing power, lithium halides except LiF are predominantly covalent.

(ii) Lithium cannot be stored in kerosene because of its low density. Therefore, lithium is generally kept wrapped in paraffin wax.

(iii) Due to small size and high ionization enthalpy, be forms coordination compound.

BeCl₂ + H₂O → [Be(H₂O)]²⁺ + 2Cl⁻