Sodium oxide (Na2O) is a white crystalline solid. It is formed when sodium reacts with oxygen. Na2O is highly reactive and can cause severe skin and eye irritation.
| IUPAC name | Sodium oxide |
| Molecular formula | Na2O |
| CAS Number | 1313-59-3 |
| Synonyms | Disodium oxide, Sodium monoxide, Sodium(I) oxide, Natriumoxide |
| InChI | InChI=1S/2Na.O |
Sodium Oxide Properties
Sodium Oxide Formula
The chemical formula of sodium oxide is Na2O. This means that each molecule of Na2O is composed of two Na+ ions and one O2- ion. The formula for a compound provides information about the number and types of atoms present in the molecule.
Sodium Oxide Molar Mass
Na2O has a molar mass of 61.98 g/mol. This means that for every mole of Na2O, there are 61.98 grams of the compound. The molar mass of a compound is important in determining its physical and chemical properties. It is calculated by adding the atomic masses of all the atoms in the compound.
Sodium Oxide Boiling Point
Na2O has a very high boiling point of 2,466 °C (4,471 °F). This means that it requires a significant amount of heat to turn Na2O from a liquid to a gas. The high boiling point of Na2O makes it useful in high-temperature applications.
Sodium Oxide Melting Point
Na2O has a melting point of 1,132 °C (2,070 °F). This means that it requires a significant amount of heat to turn Na2O from a solid to a liquid. The high melting point of Na2O also makes it useful in high-temperature applications.
Sodium Oxide Density g/mL
The density of Na2O is 2.27 g/mL. This means that for every milliliter of Na2O, there are 2.27 grams of the compound. The density of Na2O is higher than that of water, which has a density of 1 g/mL.
Sodium Oxide Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of Na2O is 61.98 g/mol. This means that the mass of one molecule of Na2O is 61.98 atomic mass units (amu). The molecular weight of a compound is important in determining its physical and chemical properties.
Sodium Oxide Structure
Na2O has a crystal structure that is made up of Na+ and O2- ions. The Na+ ions are arranged in a face-centered cubic lattice, while the O2- ions occupy the tetrahedral voids between the sodium ions. This arrangement gives Na2O its characteristic crystal structure.
| Appearance | White crystalline solid |
| Specific Gravity | 2.27 |
| Color | White |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 61.98 g/mol |
| Density | 2.27 g/mL |
| Melting Point | 1,132 °C (2,070 °F) |
| Boiling Point | 2,466 °C (4,471 °F) |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | Reacts |
| Solubility | Insoluble in ethanol, soluble in water and acids |
| Vapour Pressure | Not applicable |
| Vapour Density | Not applicable |
| pKa | Not applicable |
| pH | Not applicable |
Sodium Oxide Safety and Hazards
Na2O is highly reactive and can pose a variety of safety and health hazards. It is caustic and can cause severe skin and eye irritation upon contact. Inhalation of Na2O dust or fumes can cause respiratory irritation, coughing, and shortness of breath. Na2O also reacts with water, producing heat and releasing highly flammable hydrogen gas. Therefore, it should be stored in a cool, dry place and handled with care to prevent exposure. Proper personal protective equipment, including gloves, goggles, and a respirator, should be worn when working with Na2O to prevent accidental contact and inhalation.
| Hazard Symbols | Corrosive, Dangerous when wet |
| Safety Description | Avoid contact with water, acids, and combustible materials. Wear protective clothing and equipment. |
| UN IDs | UN 2866 |
| HS Code | 2815.11.00 |
| Hazard Class | 8 – Corrosive Substances |
| Packing Group | II – Moderate Danger |
| Toxicity | Can cause severe skin and eye irritation, respiratory irritation, coughing, and shortness of breath. |
Sodium Oxide Synthesis Methods
To produce Na2O, one can use various methods, including direct reaction and thermal decomposition. In the direct reaction method, the process involves burning metallic sodium in the presence of oxygen to produce Na2O.
The equation for this reaction is:
2 Na + O2 → 2 Na2O
Thermal decomposition involves heating sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate to high temperatures to produce Na2O. The equations for these reactions are:
2 NaOH → Na2O + H2O Na2CO3 → Na2O + CO2
Another method of synthesis involves the reaction of sodium with sodium peroxide in the presence of a catalyst. The equation for this reaction is:
2 Na + Na2O2 → 2 Na2O
The reaction of Na with other metal oxides, such as copper oxide or iron oxide, produces Na2O. The equation for the reaction with copper oxide is:
2 Na + CuO → Na2O + Cu
Sodium Oxide Uses
Na2O has a variety of uses across multiple industries due to its chemical properties. Some of its uses include:
- Glass Manufacturing: Used as a flux in glass manufacturing to lower the melting point of silica and other materials. It also helps to increase the transparency and durability of glass.
- Metallurgy: Used in metallurgy to purify metals such as copper and aluminum. It helps to remove impurities and increase the overall quality of the metal.
- Catalysts: Used as a catalyst in various chemical reactions, such as the production of methyl methacrylate.
- Chemical Synthesis: Used in the synthesis of various chemicals, such as sodium peroxide, sodium amide, and sodium hydride.
- Desiccant: Used as a desiccant to absorb moisture in various products, such as solvents and gas streams.
- Soil Stabilization: Used in soil stabilization to improve the stability and load-bearing capacity of the soil.
- Petroleum Industry: Used in the petroleum industry to remove sulfur from crude oil and other products.
Questions:
Q: What is the formula for sodium oxide?
A: The chemical formula for sodium oxide is Na2O.
Q: How many moles of sodium oxide, Na2O, are found in 98.2 grams of Na2O?
A: To determine the number of moles of Na2O in 98.2 grams, we need to divide the given mass by the molar mass of Na2O. The molar mass of Na2O is 61.9789 g/mol. Therefore, 98.2 grams of Na2O is equal to 1.58 moles of Na2O.
Q: Is sodium oxide ionic or covalent?
A: Na2O is an ionic compound.
Q: What is the oxidation number of sodium?
A: The oxidation number of sodium in its compounds is typically +1.
Q: What is sodium oxide used for?
A: Na2O is used in glass manufacturing, metallurgy, catalysts, chemical synthesis, desiccants, soil stabilization, and the petroleum industry.
Q: What is Na2O?
A: Na2O is the chemical formula for sodium oxide, which is a white crystalline compound with a high melting point.
Q: Is Na2O ionic or covalent?
A: Na2O is an ionic compound.
Q: What is the name of the compound whose formula is Na2O?
A: The compound with the chemical formula Na2O is called sodium oxide.
Q: How many moles of sodium oxide, Na2O, are found in 98.2 grams of Na2O?
A: To determine the number of moles of Na2O in 98.2 grams, we need to divide the given mass by the molar mass of Na2O. The molar mass of Na2O is 61.9789 g/mol. Therefore, 98.2 grams of Na2O is equal to 1.58 moles of Na2O.
Q: Is Na2O an ionic compound?
A: Yes, Na2O is an ionic compound.