To which part of a water molecule would #Li^+# be attracted?

2 Answers
Jun 29, 2017

The oxygen part.

Explanation:

A simple way to explain this concept is with something called electronegativity.

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If you were to take a look at the Oxygen atom's electronegativity value, you would be able to tell that it is a very electronegative element. Therefore, it will draw the electrons away from the Hydrogen atoms.

The result will be that the Oxygen will acquire a partial negative charge, and the two Hydrogens will receive a partial positive charge (the sum of the charges would be #0#).

Now, lets think about #Li^+#. We know from common knowledge that "opposites attract." After taking a look at the water molecule above, we can tell that the positive Li would be attracted to the negative O atom. This is because the oxygen has a minus sign (as explained) and the Hydrogens have a plus sign.

Therefore, we can say that the #Li^+# atom would be attracted to the Oxygen atom of the water molecule.

I hope that helps!

Jun 29, 2017

Well, which part of the water molecule is most electron-rich?

Explanation:

Clearly we speak of the oxygen centre. When we represent the dissolution of a lithium salt in water, we often write.......

#LiCl(s)stackrel(H_2O)rarrLiCl(aq)#

Where #LiCl(aq)# specifies the aquated ions, i.e. #[Li(OH_2)_(4-6)]^+# and #[Cl(H_2O)_(6)]^+#. And thus in aqueous solution each lithium ion is associated with, i.e. solvated by, several water molecules, and likewise for the chloride ion.