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Definition and General Properties of Alkali Metals

Alkali metals are a group of chemical elements that belong to Group 1 of the periodic table. They include lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), cesium (Cs), and francium (Fr). In this note, we will focus on sodium.

General Properties of Sodium

  • Sodium is a soft, silvery-white metal that is highly reactive and exhibits metallic bonding.
  • It has a low density and can be easily cut with a knife.
  • Sodium is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity.
  • It has a low melting point (97.8°C) and boiling point (883°C).

Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)

Sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda, is a strong base commonly used in various industries. It is produced by the electrolysis of brine (sodium chloride solution).

Production of Sodium Hydroxide by Electrolysis of Brine

  • Brine (sodium chloride solution) is subjected to electrolysis using a diaphragm cell.
  • The diaphragm prevents the mixing of chlorine gas (evolved at the anode) and sodium hydroxide solution (formed at the cathode).
  • Sodium hydroxide is formed at the cathode (negative electrode), while chlorine gas and hydrogen gas are formed at the anode (positive electrode).

Action of Sodium Hydroxide on Aluminium, Zinc, and Lead Ions

  • Aluminium: Sodium hydroxide reacts with aluminium ions (Al3+) to form a white gelatinous precipitate of aluminium hydroxide [Al(OH)3]. This reaction is used to distinguish aluminium ions from other metal ions.
  • Zinc: Sodium hydroxide reacts with zinc ions (Zn2+) to form a white precipitate of zinc hydroxide [Zn(OH)2]. However, excess sodium hydroxide dissolves the precipitate to form a colorless solution due to the formation of a soluble zincate ion [Zn(OH)42-].
  • Lead: Sodium hydroxide reacts with lead ions (Pb2+) to form a white precipitate of lead(II) hydroxide [Pb(OH)2].

Uses of Sodium Hydroxide

  • Precipitation of Metallic Hydroxides: Sodium hydroxide is used to precipitate metal hydroxides from their respective salt solutions. The metal hydroxides formed can be further processed for various purposes.
  • Soap and Detergent Manufacturing: Sodium hydroxide is a crucial ingredient in soap and detergent production.
  • Paper and Pulp Industry: It is used in the delignification and bleaching process of wood pulp to produce paper.
  • Drain Cleaning and pH Adjustment: Sodium hydroxide is used as a drain cleaner and for adjusting the pH in various industrial processes.
  • Water Treatment: It is used for water purification and neutralization of acidic water.
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