In what ways lithium shows similarities to magnesium in its chemical behavior?

Explanation

Diagonal relationship of Li: In the periodic table an element of a group in the `2^(nd)` period shows similar properties with the second element of the next group in the third period. This relation is known as diagonal relationship. For examples, Lithium and Magnesium show diagonal relationship. The elements show that diagonal relationship have similar polarizing powers, electronegativities, nature of the compounds. The diagonal similarity may be due to the effects of size and charge For example, charge per unit area.
Lithium shows similarity to magnesium in the following respects.
a) Lithium is slow to react with water. Magnesium decomposes water only in the hot condition. br> `2Li+2H_2O to H_2`
`Mg+2H_2O to Mg(OH)_2 +H_2`
b) Lithium combines directly with `N_2` forming nitride.
`6Li+N_2 to 2Li_3N`
c) Both lithium and magnesium give only monoxides `Li_2O, MgO`
d) Lithium chloride is deliquescent like `MgCl_2,LiCl` undergoes hydrolysis to a smaller extent in hot water in a similar way to `MgCl_2`
Due to their covalent nature, the halides Lithium and Magnesium are soluble in organic solvents.
f) Both `Li^+ and Mg^(+2)` are highly hydrated.
g) THe carbonates ,phosphates and fluorides of both Li and Mg are sparingly soluble in water.
h) Lithium alkyls `(Li^+ R^-)` are chemically similar to Grignard reagents in organic synthesis.