Sodium Oxide (Na2O) – Formula, Structure, Properties, Uses, Dangers, Practice Problems

Sodium oxide is an alkali metal which is white, solid, inorganic chemical compound with the formula Na₂O. It is also known as sulphoxide. Sodium Oxide is a chemical compound containing sodium and oxygen. It forms when sodium reacts with oxygen, creating a solid substance. It is the anhydride form of sodium hydroxide. The chemical formula of sodium oxide is Na₂O and is widely used in the ceramics industry and the manufacturing of glasses.

In this article, we will learn about, sodium oxide, Sodium oxide properties, its preparation, and others in detail.

What is Sodium Oxide?

Sodium oxide is a chemical compound composed of sodium and oxygen atoms, with the formula Na₂O. It is a white, crystalline solid, commonly used in industry. When sodium reacts with oxygen, sodium oxide is formed. This compound has various applications, such as in glass manufacturing and as a desiccant.

Chemical Formula	Na2O
Common Name	Sodium Oxide
Molecular Weight	61.978 g/mol
Appearance	White solid
State at Room Temp	Solid
Melting Point	1132°C (2,070°F)
Boiling Point	1950°C (3,542°F)
Density	2.27 g/cm3
Solubility	Reacts with Water to form Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
Chemical Structure	Na-O-Na
Uses	Glass Manufacturing As a Desiccant In Some Industrial Processes, etc.

Sodium Oxide Formula

Sodium oxide has a simple formula, Na₂O. It forms when sodium, a metal, reacts with oxygen. This compound is notable for its reaction with water, producing sodium hydroxide. The formula reflects the combination of two sodium atoms with one oxygen atom.

Chemical Formula for Sodium Oxide is Na₂O

Structure of Sodium Oxide

Sodium oxide molecules consist of one sodium which is (Na) atom and one oxygen which is (O) atom chemically bonded together. The structure is represented as Na₂O. Sodium, a metal, donates an electron to oxygen, a non-metal, forming an ionic bond. This results in the creation of a stable compound with a net charge of zero.

The sodium oxide molecules exhibit a crystal lattice structure, where sodium ions and oxide ions arrange themselves in an orderly pattern, forming a solid substance at room temperature. The structure of Sodium Oxide is added in the image below,

Physical Properties of Sodium Oxide

Various physical properties of Sodium Oxide are,

• State of Matter: Sodium oxide exists as a solid at room temperature and pressure.

• Colour and Appearance: It is a white crystalline compound, often seen as a powdery substance.

• Melting Point: Sodium oxide has a high melting point, typically around 1,132 degrees Celsius (2,070 degrees Fahrenheit).

• Boiling Point: It does not have a distinct boiling point at normal atmospheric pressure; instead, it decomposes at high temperatures.

• Solubility: Sodium oxide is soluble in water, forming a basic solution due to its alkaline nature.

• Density: It has a relatively high density, with values around 2.27 grams per cubic centimetre.

• Electrical Conductivity: Sodium oxide is a poor conductor of electricity in its solid form, but it can conduct when dissolved in water.

• Reactivity: Sodium oxide reacts vigorously with water, producing sodium hydroxide. It also reacts with acids to form salts.

Chemical Properties of Sodium Oxide

Various chemical properties of Sodium Oxide are,

• Sodium oxide reacts with water to form sodium hydroxide, a strong base.

Na₂O + H₂O → 2NaOH

• Sodium oxide reacts with acids to form salt and water.

Na₂O + 2HCl → 2NaCl + H₂O

• Sodium oxide reacts with carbon dioxide to form sodium carbonate.

Na₂O + CO₂ → Na₂CO₃

• Sodium oxide reacts with sulphur dioxide to form sodium sulphite.

Na₂​O+SO₂→Na₂SO₃

• Reaction with Hydrogen Chloride: Sodium oxide reacts with hydrogen chloride to form sodium chloride and water.

Na₂O + 2HCl → 2NaCl + H₂O

Preparation of Sodium Oxide

Sodium oxide forms when sodium, a metallic element, reacts with oxygen, a non-metallic element. The reaction occurs when sodium atoms combine with oxygen molecules. This chemical process results in the creation of sodium oxide, a compound composed of sodium and oxygen atoms bonded together. The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is:

4Na + O₂​ → 2Na₂​O

Uses of Sodium Oxide

Various application of Sodium Oxide are,

• Sodium oxide is crucial in glassmaking, reducing the melting point of silica for shaping into glass products like bottles and windows.
• In ceramics, sodium oxide enhances strength and durability, playing a key role in the manufacturing of ceramic products.
• Used as a desiccant, sodium oxide helps absorb moisture, contributing to its role in maintaining dry environments.
• Sodium oxide participates in chemical reactions, facilitating the synthesis of various compounds in industries such as chemistry and materials science.
• When sodium oxide reacts with water, it forms a highly alkaline solution, contributing to the production of sodium hydroxide, commonly used as a base in industrial processes.

Dangers of Sodium Oxide

Some dangers of handling Sodium Oxides are,

• Skin and eye irritation: Sodium oxide can burn and irritate the skin and eyes upon contact.
• Respiratory issues: Inhaling sodium oxide dust or fumes can cause coughing and throat irritation.
• Reactivity with water: It reacts violently with water, producing heat and caustic substances.
• Fire hazard: Sodium oxide is highly reactive and can ignite spontaneously.
• Environmental impact: It can pollute water and soil, harming ecosystems.
• Health risks: Ingestion can cause internal burns and digestive tract damage.

Health and Safety Information For Sodium Oxide

Various safety measure we must follow before handling Sodium Oxide are,

• Protective gear: Wear gloves, goggles, and protective clothing.
• Ventilation: Use sodium oxide in well-ventilated areas.
• Eye protection: Shield eyes from splashes.
• Avoid ingestion: Keep away from food and drinks.
• Storage: Store in dry areas, away from moisture.
• Handle with care: Prevent spills and accidents.
• Cleanup: Clean spills promptly and safely.
• Disposal: Follow regulations for proper disposal.
• Emergency: Know what to do in case of exposure or ingestion.

Read More,

• Some Important Compounds of Sodium
• Sodium Peroxide Formula

Sodium Oxide – Frequently Asked Questions

What is Formula for Sodium Oxide?

The chemical formula for Sodium Oxide is Na₂O.

What is Role of Sodium Oxide in Glass Production?

Sodium Oxide lowers the melting point of silica, aiding in the shaping of glass products like bottles and windows.

How does Sodium Oxide contribute to ceramic manufacturing?

Sodium Oxide enhances the strength and durability of ceramics, playing a crucial role in their production.

Why is Sodium Oxide Used as a Desiccant?

Sodium Oxide is employed as a desiccant to absorb moisture, helping maintain dry conditions in various environments.

What happens when Sodium Oxide reacts with Water?

Sodium Oxide reacts with water to form a highly alkaline solution, leading to the production of sodium hydroxide.

What is the Molecular Weight of Sodium Oxide?

The molecular weight of sodium oxide is 61.978 g/mol

What is sodium oxide used for?

Sodium oxide is used in the manufacturing of glass and ceramic products.

Is sodium oxide a salt?

Sodium oxide is an ionically bonded solid ceramic compound.

Is sodium oxide toxic?

Yes sodium oxide is a toxic compound, as it is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. It is corrosive on ingestion, inhalation of its aerosol may cause lung oedema.

How can sodium oxide be prepared?

Sodium oxide is produced when sodium reacts with sodium hydroxide, sodium peroxide, or sodium nitrite, the reaction for the same is, 2NaOH + 2Na → 2Na₂O + H

Is sodium oxide soluble in water?

No, sodium oxide is not soluble in water.

Is Na₂O a strong acid?

No, Na2O is not a strong acid but it is a strong base.

Is Na₂O basic or alkaline?

Yes, Sodium oxide is a base as when reacts it with water it forms Sodium hydroxide NaOH a strong base.