Hydration enthalpy of Li+ is lesser than that of Be+2. Lithium is the best reducing agent among alkali metals in aqueous solutions. The best reducing agent among second group elements in aqueous solution is

Hydration enthalpy(exothermic) of Be+2 is high but at the same time the sum of IP1, and IP2(endothermic) is also very high;∴the process, Ms→+ΔHsubMg→+ΔHIE1M+g→+ΔHIE2M+2g→+ΔHHydM+2aq is not so feasible in the case of beryllium in aqueous solution;The reducing power of Be < Mg < Ca < Sr < Ba ≈ Ra