Chemistry – Inorganic chemistry | e-Consult
Inorganic chemistry (1 questions)
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The reaction of chlorine (Cl2) with sodium (Na) is a highly exothermic reaction, meaning it releases a significant amount of heat. Sodium reacts rapidly and vigorously with chlorine, producing sodium chloride (NaCl), also known as common salt.
The balanced chemical equation for the reaction is:
| Reaction |
| Equation |
| 2Na(s) + Cl2(g) -> 2NaCl(s) |
The bond formed between sodium and chlorine is an ionic bond. Sodium readily loses one electron to form a Na+ cation, while chlorine readily gains one electron to form a Cl- anion. The electrostatic attraction between these ions forms the ionic bond.
The ionic bond in NaCl contributes to its properties as follows:
- High Melting Point and Boiling Point: The strong electrostatic forces between the ions require a large amount of energy to overcome, resulting in high melting and boiling points.
- Solubility in Water: NaCl is soluble in water because the polar water molecules can interact with and surround the ions, effectively weakening the ionic bonds and allowing the salt to dissolve.
- Electrical Conductivity: NaCl is a poor conductor of electricity in the solid state because the ions are fixed in a crystal lattice. However, when molten or dissolved in water, the ions are free to move and conduct electricity.