When sodium reacts with excess oxygen on burning, the main product is
- A. sodium oxide, Na2O
- B. sodium superoxide, NaO2
- C. sodium peroxide, Na2O2
- D. sodium hydroxide, NaOH
Explanation
Lithium forms the simple oxide, sodium forms mainly the peroxide and potassium, rubidium and caesium form superoxides, the larger cations being better able to stabilise the larger anions. Sodium peroxide reacts with water to give hydrogen peroxide and alkali. Sodium hydroxide is the product of reaction with water rather than with oxygen.