Lithium forms monoxide, sodium gives peroxide while the rest of the alkali metals form superoxide. Explain

Lithium forms monoxide while sodium forms peroxide in the presence of excess oxygen-why?

The alkali metals have low densities . Explain.

LiCl is soluble in organic solvents while the chlorides of other alkali metals are not explain.

What makes lithium exhibit uncommon properties compared to the rest of the alkali metals?

Explain why the peroxides and superoxides of the alkali metals act as strong oxidising agents.

Alkali metals on combustion in excess of air form different type of oxides depending on the size of metal cations e.g . lithium forms mainly the oxide Li_2O , sodium forms peroxide and some super oxides NaO_2 and potassium, Rubidium and caesium form the superoxides, MO_2 . The stability of peroxide and superoxide increases, as the size of the metal cation increases because of the stabilisation of larger anion by larger cations through lattice energy effect. These oxides are easily hydrolysed by water. The oxides and the peroxides are colourless when pure, but the superoxides are yellow or orange in colour. Peroxide and superoxide of sodium and potassium are widely used as oxidising agent and as air purifier in space capsules, submarines and breathing mask. When sodium reacts with excess of oxygen at 350^@ C , the oxidation number of oxygen per atom changes from:

Alkali metals on combustion in excess of air form different type of oxides depending on the size of metal cations e.g . lithium forms mainly the oxide Li_2O , sodium forms peroxide and some super oxides NaO_2 and potassium, Rubidium and caesium form the superoxides, MO_2 . The stability of peroxide and superoxide increases, as the size of the metal cation increases because of the stabilisation of larger anion by larger cations through lattice energy effect. These oxides are easily hydrolysed by water. The oxides and the peroxides are colourless when pure, but the superoxides are yellow or orange in colour. Peroxide and superoxide of sodium and potassium are widely used as oxidising agent and as air purifier in space capsules, submarines and breathing mask. Which of the following compound is used in the emergency breathing apparatus ?

Diethyl ether forms peroxide easily while anisole does not form peroxide easily - Explain.

Li-salts are commonly hydrated while other alkali metal salts are usually anhydrous. Explain.

This question has Statement I and Statement II. Of the four choices given after the Statements, choose the one that best describes the two Statements. Statement -1: All alkali metals do not form superoxides as one of the main products in excess of air on heating. Statement - II: Superoxide reacts with carbon monoxide producing a white powder and liberating dioxygen.