Lithium has the highest ionization enthalpy amoung alkali metals , yet is the strongest reducing agent . Why so ?

Explanation

To understand why lithium has the highest ionization enthalpy among alkali metals yet is the strongest reducing agent, we need to analyze the concepts of ionization enthalpy and hydration enthalpy.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Ionization Enthalpy**:
- Ionization enthalpy is the amount of energy required to remove an electron from an atom in the gaseous state. Among alkali metals, lithium has the highest ionization enthalpy due to its small atomic size and greater effective nuclear charge, which holds the outermost electron more tightly.

2. **Understanding Hydration Enthalpy**:
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