However, because of its high reactivity is not found naturally in its elemental state. Extraction Sodium metal is isolated by the electrolysis of fused caustic soda. 2 Na2CO3 Properties Sodium metal is a soft silvery-white lustrous metal which can be easily cut with a knife. Sodium metal is highly reactive and tarnished readily in air due to the formation of a layer of Sodium Oxide on the surface of the metal. 2 Na2O Reactions Sodium is highly reactive chemically, and must be stored under liquid Paraffin, which contains no Oxygen, to prevent oxidation.
Sodium burns readily in air forming a mixture of sodium oxide and sodium peroxide.
Sodium reacts readily with the halogens , forming the appropriate sodium salt. The heat evolved inn the reaction is sufficient to ignite the hydrogen that is liberated. Detection and Analysis Sodium is detected in its compounds by the bright yellow colouration which it imparts to flames when burned and by spectroscopic methods. All Rights Reserved.