Question Details

Which of the following is a correct order of basicity?

Options

A

LiOH > NaOH > KOH > CsOH

B

KOH > CsOH > NaOH > LiOH

C

LiOH > KOH > CsOH > NaOH

D

CsOH > KOH > NaOH > LiOH

Show Answer

Correct Answer :

Option D

CsOH > KOH > NaOH > LiOH

CsOH > KOH > NaOH > LiOH

Solution :

The correct order of basicity is CsOH > KOH > NaOH > LiOH.

Let's understand the chemical principles behind this order step-by-step:
1. Nature of hydroxides: All the given compounds (LiOH, NaOH, KOH, and CsOH) are hydroxides of alkali metals (Group 1 elements of the periodic table).
2. Trend in ionic size: As we move down Group 1 from Lithium (Li) to Cesium (Cs), the atomic and ionic radii of the metals increase due to the addition of new electronic shells:

Li+<Na+<K+<Cs+

3. Lattice energy and ionization: Because the Cs+ ion is much larger than the Li+ ion, the electrostatic force of attraction between the metal cation and the hydroxide anion (OH-) is weakest in CsOH and strongest in LiOH. Therefore, the bond between the metal and the hydroxide group becomes weaker and breaks more easily as we go down the group.
4. Basicity definition: Basicity in aqueous solution depends on the ease with which a substance dissociates to release hydroxide ions (OH-). Since CsOH dissociates most readily to release OH- ions, it is the strongest base. Conversely, LiOH holds its OH- ion most tightly and is the weakest base among them.

Thus, the basic strength increases down the group in the following order:

LiOH<NaOH<KOH<CsOH

Which is represented as:

CsOH>KOH>NaOH>LiOH

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