What Are The Properties Of Na2O?

Na2O is a white, odorless, and highly reactive compound composed of sodium and oxygen. It has a high melting point of 1,132°C and a boiling point of 1,950°C. Na2O is soluble in water and forms an alkaline solution when dissolved, making it a strong base.

In the solid state, Na2O has a crystalline structure with a cubic unit cell. Its lattice constant is 4.24 Å, and the coordination number of each ion is six. The oxide ions form a face-centered cubic (fcc) arrangement, while the sodium ions occupy octahedral holes within this fcc lattice.

Na2O reacts vigorously with water, producing sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and releasing heat. This reaction is exothermic and highly exergonic, meaning that it releases a large amount of energy. Additionally, Na2O reacts with acids to form salts and water.

Due to its reactivity and strong basic nature, Na2O is used in various industrial applications, including the production of glass, ceramics, and catalysts. It also finds use in the manufacturing of cleaning compounds, fabric softeners, and water treatment chemicals.