What is the Difference Between Lithium and Other Alkali Metals?

Lithium is an alkali metal, but it differs from other alkali metals in several ways:

1. Hardness: Lithium is harder than other alkali metals.
2. Melting and Boiling Points: Lithium has higher melting and boiling points compared to other alkali metals.
3. Reactivity: Lithium is the least reactive alkali metal.
4. Reducing Agent: Lithium is a strong reducing agent compared to other alkali metals.
5. Reaction with Nitrogen: Lithium is the only alkali metal that can react with nitrogen.
6. Anion Formation: Lithium cannot form an anion, while other alkali metals can form anions.
7. Electron Affinity: Lithium has very low affinity for electrons and requires relatively little energy to lose an electron.

These differences are primarily due to lithium's smaller atomic and ionic sizes, which lead to unique properties compared to other alkali metals.

Comparative Table: Lithium vs Other Alkali Metals

Here is a table highlighting the differences between lithium and other alkali metals:

Lithium exhibits some unique properties that distinguish it from other alkali metals, such as being harder, less reactive, and having higher melting and boiling points. It is also the only alkali metal that can form a monoxide and does not form solid hydrogen carbonates or react with ethyne to form ethynides.