2016 · Q12
Which one of the following elements does not form solid hydrogen carbonate?
General KnowledgeChemistry
- ASodium
- BPotassium
- CCaesium
- DLithium
Explanation
Sodium, potassium and caesium bicarbonates (NaHCO3, KHCO3, CsHCO3) all exist as stable solids, but lithium bicarbonate exists only in aqueous solution. The very small, highly polarizing Li+ ion cannot stabilize the large bicarbonate anion in a crystal lattice, so solid LiHCO3 cannot be isolated.