Alkalides and electrides are crystalline compound of:a)Alkali metals i...
Alkalides and Electrides
Alkalides and electrides are two types of peculiar crystalline compounds that are formed due to the unique properties of alkali metals.
Alkalides
Alkalides are compounds that contain alkali metals in (1) oxidation states and anions (negatively charged ions). In other words, they are formed when alkali metals donate their valence electrons to non-metals, resulting in the formation of negatively charged ions. Some of the common examples of alkalides include Na+NH2-, K+NH2-, and Rb+NH2-.
Electrides
Electrides are compounds that contain electrons as anions instead of non-metals. They are formed when alkali metals lose their valence electrons to form cations (positively charged ions) and the lost electrons form an anionic cloud around the cations. This anionic cloud is held together by electrostatic forces and behaves like a negatively charged ion. Some of the common examples of electrides include K+e-, Rb+e-, and Cs+e-.
Difference between Alkalides and Electrides
The main difference between alkalides and electrides is the nature of the anion. Alkalides contain non-metal anions while electrides contain electron anions.
Conclusion
Alkalides and electrides are unique crystalline compounds that are formed due to the peculiar properties of alkali metals. They have several interesting properties and applications in various fields, including catalysis and materials science.