Overview

Molecules

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To learn more about the metallic bond of alkali metals, see Chapter 19 in Volume 2 of the book.

 

Alkali Hydrides

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Potassium Hydride (KH)

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Animation

 

Alkali Hydrides (LiH, NaH, KH, RbH, and CsH)

BookFigure

(A) Lithium Hydride; (B) Sodium Hydride; (C) Potassium Hydride; (D) Potassium Hydrino (1/4) Hydride

Calculated and experimental values for the ion separation distances and lattice energies for the ionic bond of hydrides of lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium and cesium. Calculations are made from exact, closed-form equations containing physical constants only.

Ion Separation Distance (10-10m) Lattice Energy (kJ/mol)
Calc. Exp. Calc. Exp.
Li 2.17 2.04 [1] 911.1 912.5 [1]
Na 2.33 2.44 [2] 864.3 845.7 [2]
K 2.86 2.85 [2] 729.4 741.9 [2]
Rb 2.99 3.02 [2] 704.3 705.9 [2]
Cs 3.24 3.19 [2] 656.6 646.7 [1]

References:

1. W. M. Muller, J. P. Blackledge, G. G. Libowitz, Metal Hydrides, Academic Press, New York, (1968), pp. 217-229.

2. J. C. Bailar, H. J. Emeleus, R. Nyholm, A. F. Trotman-Dickenson, (Editors), Comprehensive Inorganic Chemistry, Pergamom Press, (1973), p. 401.