Compare alkalide ion with the neutral alkali atom.
Under appropriate conditions, alkali metals, A, can be reduced to yield monoatomic alkalide anions, A-.
1. For a given alkali metal, how does the ionic radius of the alkalide ion compare to that of the neutral alkali metal atom? Explain using physical arguments.
2. For a given alkali metal, is the energy of the 1s orbital for the neutral alkali metal atom greater than, less than, or equal to that of the alkalide ion? Explain.
3. Consider the nobel gas element immediately preceding a given alkali metal. Is reduction of the neutral nobel gas atom to the anion more or less difficult relative to the reduction of the alkali metal? Explain. PS # 1, p. 2 of 2
4. The monoanions of alkaline earth elements are unknown and probably unattainable. Explain the physical factors associated with their instability.
5. Given the existence of alkalide anions, one might consider the synthesis of alkali metal alkalide salts, A+A-. Do you think such compounds can be prepared? Why or why not?