Sodium Oxide + Water

When sodium oxide reacts with water, a vigorous exothermic reaction takes place, producing sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as the sole product. The chemical equation for this reaction is:

Na2O + H2O → 2NaOH

During the reaction, the solid sodium oxide dissolves in water to form an alkaline solution of sodium hydroxide. This process is highly exothermic, releasing a large amount of heat energy. If too much sodium oxide is added to water at once, the heat generated can cause the solution to boil and splash out of the container, posing a safety hazard.

Sodium hydroxide is a strong base and can cause severe burns if it comes into contact with skin or eyes. It is also highly corrosive to many materials, including metals and organic compounds. Therefore, care should be taken when handling the resulting solution.

Overall, the reaction between sodium oxide and water produces sodium hydroxide, which is a useful industrial chemical but also poses health and safety risks. Proper precautions should be taken when handling this substance.