Question

Solution of sodium metal in liquid ammonia is strongly reducing due to the presence of:

• A. sodium hydride
• B. sodium amide
• C. sodium atoms
• D. solvated electrons

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

solvated electrons

Solution of sodium metal in liquid ammonia is strongly reducing (reduction is gaining of electrons) due to the presence of solvated electrons (the solvated electrons supply electrons for reduction).
A solvated electron is a free electron in a solution and is the smallest possible anion. Solvated electrons occur widely although they are often not observed directly. The deep color of solutions of alkali metals in ammonia arises from the presence of solvated electrons.
Hence, option D is correct.