What is observed when hot concentrated caustic soda solution is added to (a) Zinc and (b) Aluminium oxide ? Write balanced equations.
(a) 2 NaOH + Zn → Na2ZnO2 + H2
(Sodium Zincate)
Zinc react with sodium hydroxide to produce sodium zincate and hydrogen.
This reaction takes place at a temperature near 550∘C
(b)
Al2O3 +2 NaOH → 2 NaAlO2 + H2O
Aluminum oxide react with sodium hydroxide to produce sodium aluminate and water. This reaction takes place at a temperature of 900-1100°C.