1. Usually metals do not react with bases. Because metals themselves are Lewis bases as they lose electrons.
2. But there is an exception with Aluminum (Al) and Zinc (Zn), because of their amphoteric behaviour. Therefore, they have the tendency to react with acids and bases as well.
3. In this reaction, the metal is Zinc (Zn) & base is Sodium hydroxide (NaOH).
4. When sodium hydroxide solution is heated with zinc granules then Sodium zincate and hydrogen gas are formed.
The reaction is as follows: 2NaOH(aq.)+Zn(s)⟶Na2ZnO2(aq.)+H2(g)
The salt is formed by the reaction between a base and a metal, the metal is present as a part of the Negative Ion.
In the sodium zincate salt (Na2ZnO2) formed by the reaction between Sodium Hydroxide and Zinc metal, the zinc metal is present at a part of negative ions , zincate ion (ZnO−22)
5. So, the main product formed in this reaction is sodium zincate (Na2ZnO2).