9.11 What do you understand by the term “non-stoichiometric hydrides”? Do you expect this type of the hydrides to be formed by alkali metals? Justify your answer
Answer-
Non-stoichiometric hydrides are hydrogen deficient compounds. they are formed by d & f block elements. Such hydrides do not follow the law of constant composition.
Examples- etc.
Alkali metals do not form these types of hydrides. Alkali metals form stoichiometric hydrides. These hydrides are ionic in nature.
Non-stoichiometric hydrides are hydrogen-deficient compounds formed by the reaction of dihydrogen with f-block elements.These hydrides do not follow the law of constant composition. For example LaH2.87, YbH2.55 & TiH1.5-1.8 etc...
Alkali metals form stoichiometric hydrides. These hydrides are ionic in nature. Hydride ions have comparable sizes(208pm) with alkali metal ions. Hence, strong binding forces exist between the constituting metal & hydride ion. As a result, stiochiometric hydrides are formed...
Hence, alkali metals will not form non-stoichiometric hydrides.