Question:
How many water molecules are present in formula of crystalline chloride of lithium?
How many water molecules are present in formula of crystalline chloride of lithium?
Show Hint
Among the alkali metal chlorides, lithium chloride is uniquely hygroscopic and forms a dihydrate ($\text{LiCl} \cdot 2\text{H}_2\text{O}$) due to the exceptionally high hydration energy of the tiny $\text{Li}^+$ ion!
Updated On: Jun 3, 2026
- 4
- 3
- 1
- 2
Show Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the number of water molecules of crystallization present in the stable hydrated crystal structure of lithium chloride.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Due to the exceptionally small size of the lithium cation ($\text{Li}^+$), it possesses a very high charge density. This high charge density gives it a strong polarizing power and a high enthalpy of hydration compared to other alkali metal chlorides. Consequently, while chlorides of larger alkali metals like sodium (NaCl) or potassium (KCl) typically crystallize as anhydrous salts from aqueous solutions at room temperature, lithium chloride separates as a distinct hydrated crystal. The chemical formula for this crystalline hydrate is $\text{LiCl} \cdot 2\text{H}_2\text{O}$. Therefore, there are exactly 2 water molecules present per formula unit.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The number of water molecules present is 2, which corresponds to option (D).
The question asks for the number of water molecules of crystallization present in the stable hydrated crystal structure of lithium chloride.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Due to the exceptionally small size of the lithium cation ($\text{Li}^+$), it possesses a very high charge density. This high charge density gives it a strong polarizing power and a high enthalpy of hydration compared to other alkali metal chlorides. Consequently, while chlorides of larger alkali metals like sodium (NaCl) or potassium (KCl) typically crystallize as anhydrous salts from aqueous solutions at room temperature, lithium chloride separates as a distinct hydrated crystal. The chemical formula for this crystalline hydrate is $\text{LiCl} \cdot 2\text{H}_2\text{O}$. Therefore, there are exactly 2 water molecules present per formula unit.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The number of water molecules present is 2, which corresponds to option (D).
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Top MHT CET Chemistry Questions
- The temperature of $32^{\circ}C$ is equivalent to
- The heat of formation of water is $ 260\, kJ $ . How much $ H_2O $ is decomposed by $ 130\, kJ $ of heat ?
- If a metal crystallises in bcc structure with edge length of unit cell $4.29 \times 10^{-8}\, cm$ the radius of metal atom is
- Which of the following oxides can act both as an oxidising agent as well as reducing agent ?
- "The mass and energy both are conserved in an isolated system", is the statement of
View More Questions
Top MHT CET The s-Block Elements Questions
- What is the correct order of thermal stability of the following carbonates?
BaCO\(_3\), MgCO\(_3\), SrCO\(_3\), CaCO\(_3\) - Which of the following hydride is deficient in hydrogen?
- An amalgum of mercury with sodium is an example of
- Which of the following is called as Mandelonitrile?
- What is the oxidation number of As in H\(_3\)AsO\(_3\)?
View More Questions
Top MHT CET Questions
- During r- DNA technology, which one of the following enzymes is used for cleaving DNA molecule ?
- In non uniform circular motion, the ratio of tangential to radial acceleration is (r = radius of circle, $v =$ speed of the particle, $\alpha =$ angular acceleration)
- The temperature of $32^{\circ}C$ is equivalent to
- The line $5x + y - 1 = 0$ coincides with one of the lines given by $5x^2 + xy - kx - 2y + 2 = 0 $ then the value of k is
- The heat of formation of water is $ 260\, kJ $ . How much $ H_2O $ is decomposed by $ 130\, kJ $ of heat ?
View More Questions