Sodium oxide

• Sodium monoxide
• Disodium

White powder

Fixed

2.27 g · cm -3

1275 ° C ( sublimation)

Decomposes in water

Risk

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Sodium oxide is an oxide of sodium with the formula Na2O.

Occurrence

Sodium oxide occurs in nature not free, but only in a bound form. In this form, it is widely used, e.g., it is bound in numerous minerals.

Production

It can be obtained directly from the elements. Here, however, it is necessary to consider the stoichiometry of the reaction and the temperature, otherwise an excess of oxygen and sodium peroxide and Natriumhyperoxid be formed.

The reaction is conducted in a temperature range of 150 - 200 ° C carried out. Higher temperatures favor the formation of sodium peroxide.

A further possibility is given by the reaction of sodium with liquid sodium nitrate.

Pure sodium oxide can be obtained by the reaction of sodium azide with sodium nitrate.

Also possible is the reaction of sodium hydroxide and sodium.

Properties

It is a colorless solid which crystallizes in a Antifluoritstruktur. Sodium reacts violently with water to form sodium hydroxide

The standard enthalpy of formation of sodium oxide is ΔHf0 = -418 kJ / mol.

Use

Sodium is used as an etchant for the manufacture of glass, for the polymerization and as a desiccant for drying organic solvents.