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Alkali Metals: Reactions
The first group, or column, of elements in the periodic table, except hydrogen, are called the alkali metals. The alkali metals are lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), caesium (Cs) and francium (Fr). Since these elements are in the same group, they all share similarities in their chemical behaviour and properties. Since this is true, this post will be briefly showing some reactions of alkali metals using sodium as an example.
Reactions With Oxygen
When exposed to air, alkali metals readily corrode, forming metallic oxides.
- When O2 is limited: 2Na (s) + ½O2 (g) ⟶ Na2O (s)
- When O2 is in excess: 2Na (s) + O2(g) ⟶ Na2O2 (s)
Reactions With Halogens
Alkali metals and halogens react in a way that can be seen through this general formula: 2M + X2 ⟶ 2MX. A well known compound that results from the reaction between sodium metal and chlorine gas is table salt.
- 2Na (s) + Cl2 (g) 2NaCl (s)
Reactions With Water
The reactions between alkali metals and water have to be some of my favourite reactions to watch. When alkali metals react with water, hydrogen gas is also released and oftentimes burns explosively during this reaction. The alkali metals also react with water to form basic solutions of aqueous sodium hydroxide (also seen below).
- 2Na (s) + 2H2O (l) ⟶ 2NaOH (aq) + H2 (g)
- Na2O (s) + H2O (l) ⟶ 2NaOH (aq)
- Na2O2 (s) + 2H2O (l) ⟶ 2NaOH (aq) + H2O2 (aq)
Here’s a fun video of the alkali metals, except francium of course, reacting with water.
[Please let me know if you’d like to see more posts like this. I hope to use these as a way to not only to share information with others, but to also review what I’ve done in my first year Chemistry courses. Enjoy!]
Source: Third Custom Edition of the Chemistry 121 Integrated Resource Package by the Department of Chemistry from the University of British Columbia
Images courtesy of Wikipedia
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