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Chapter: 11th 12th std standard Class Organic Inorganic Physical Chemistry Higher secondary school College Notes

Sodium: Extraction, Physical and Chemical Properties, Uses

Sodium: Extraction, Physical and Chemical Properties, Uses
Down's process : It is now manufactured by electrolysis of fused sodium chloride.

Extraction of Sodium

 

Down's process : It is now manufactured by electrolysis of fused sodium chloride.

 

Down's electrolytic cell, consists of an iron box through the bottom of which rises a circular carbon anode. The anode is surrounded by a ring shaped iron cathode enclosed in a wire gauze shell which also acts as a partition and separates the two electrodes.

 

On electrolysis, chlorine is liberated at the anode and let out through an exit at the top. Sodium is liberated at the cathode and remains in the wire-gauze shell. Level of molten sodium rises and it overflows into a receiver.

2 NaCl  -- >   2Na + Cl2

 

Physical properties

 

1.     It is a silvery white metal when freshly cut but is rapidly tarnished in air. It forms tetragonal crystals.

2.     It is a soft metal.

3.     It is a good conductor of electricity.

4.     It dissolves in liquid ammonia forming an intense blue solution.

Chemical properties

1) Action of air : In moist air a layer of sodium oxide, hydroxide and carbonate is formed on its surface which loses its lustre.

4Na + O2 -- > 2 Na2O --  (2H2O) -- > 4NaOH --- (2CO2 ) -- > Na2CO3 + 2H2O

When heated in air, it burns violently to form the monoxide and the peroxide.

4 Na + O2 -- > 2Na2O

2 Na + O2 -- > Na2O2

2)  Action  of water :  It  decomposes  water  vigorously,  liberating hydrogen and forming sodium hydroxide.

2 Na + 2 H2O -- > 2 NaOH + H2

 

3) Action of ammonia: Sodium gives sodamide with ammonia liberating hydrogen.

2 Na + 2NH3  -- -(570-670K)-- >   2 Na NH2 + H2.


Sodium dissolved in liquid ammonia is used as a reducing agent in organic chemistry.


4.Action of acids: It displaces hydrogen from acids 

2 HCl + 2 Na  -- >  2 NaCl + H2.

2 Na + 2NH3  -- -(570-670K)-- >   2 Na NH2 + H2.

 

Sodium dissolved in liquid ammonia is used as a reducing agent in organic chemistry.

 

4.Action of acids: It displaces hydrogen from acids
2 HCl + 2 Na  -- >  2 NaCl + H2

5.Reducing action: Reduces many compounds when heated with them in the absence of air

Al2O3 + 6 Na  --- >     2 Al + 3 Na2O

SiO2 + 4Na  -- >  Si + 2 Na2O.

Reduces carbondioxide when heated forming carbon and sodium carbonate.

4 Na + 3 CO2 -- >  2 Na2CO3 + C.

 

6.With Mercury : When heated with mercury, sodium forms an amalgam of varying composition Na2Hg, Na3Hg, NaHg etc.

 

Uses

 

1.    For the preparation of sodium peroxide, sodamide and sodium cyanide, tetraethyl lead etc.

2.    Sodium amalgam is employed as a reducing agent.

3.    As a deoxidizing agent in the preparation of light alloys and some rare earth metals from their oxides.

4.    It acts as a catalyst in the polymerisation of isoprene (C5H3) into artificial rubber.

5.    As a reagent in organic chemistry.

 

 

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11th 12th std standard Class Organic Inorganic Physical Chemistry Higher secondary school College Notes : Sodium: Extraction, Physical and Chemical Properties, Uses |


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