Answer to Question #88059 in General Chemistry for bethel divyn

Question

Unlike Organosodium And Organopotassium Compounds,organolithium Compounds Are Soluble In Hydrocarbon And Other Non Polar Solvent

Answer 1

In order for the salt to dissolve, the lattice energy holding the atoms (ions) together must be overcome. That is to say, the coulombic forces must be overcome and the bonds must be broken in order for the water molecules to surround them and effect dissolution. Since the Li⁺ ion is smaller than both the Na⁺ and K⁺ ions, the attractive forces holding it to the anion will be greater, and thus more energy is required to dissolve the lithium salt than the sodium and/or the potassium salt.