Question

$LiHC{O_3}$ does not exist in solid state. Answer whether the above statement is True or False.

Answer 1

Hint:The Lithium is an element of the first group and second period. Among the elements of the first group, it is the smallest member and hence is least electro positivity among them. The Hydration energy of lithium bicarbonate is Higher than the lattice energy and hence it is difficult to separate it into solid state from its aqueous solution.

Complete step-by-step answer:$Li$ is an element of the first group. Atomic number of lithium is 3. The electronic configuration of Lithium is $1{s^2}2{s^1}$. Hence it is an element of the second period. It belongs to the s-block of periodic tables. It is metal and has an electropositive character.
Since the Atomic Size of Lithium is very small, it has least electro positivity among the elements of the first group. Hence it can accumulate charge around it and cannot easily lose electrons like other elements of the first group do.
The State of a given compound depends on the type of intermolecular and Intramolecular forces operating between molecules of matter. The Lithium Carbonate exists as liquid and cannot be separated into solid from its aqueous solution. The fact is observed due to unbalanced Hydration enthalpy as well as lattice energy.
Lattice energy is defined as the amount of energy required to convert one mole of solid ionic compound into its constituent ions. Hydration energy is the amount of energy released when one mole of ionic solid is dissolved and Hydrated into solvent.
The Lattice enthalpy of Lithium bicarbonate is small compared to Hydration enthalpy. Since the size of lithium ions is small, its hydrated ion will be formed with more ease due to the accumulation of charge on cation and stronger attraction between ion and water molecules. Hence Lithium has high hydration as compared to lattice energy. it is more stable in aqueous state and cannot be separated into solid form.
Due to the small size of Lithium cation, it can distort the electron cloud of Bicarbonate ions and convert it into carbonates.

Hence the given statement is true.

Note: It is noteworthy that size of the cation is an important factor while talking about the nature of the compound. As to how much an atom has capability to attract electrons towards itself that is important. More the hydration energy more will be the possibility of the existence of compounds in liquid state.