Question

How can we predict chemical reactivity of elements based on their oxide formation reactions and the nature of oxides formed?

Answer 1

• The chemical reactivity can be illustrated by comparing the reaction of elements with oxygen to form oxides and the nature of the oxides.
• Alkali metals present on the extreme left of the modem periodic table are highly reactive and thus, they react vigorously with oxygen to form oxides such as Na₂O which reacts with water to form strong bases like NaOH.
• The reactive elements on the right i.e., halogens react with oxygen to form oxides such as Cl₂O₇ which on reaction with water form strong acids like HClO₄.
• The oxides of the elements in the centre of the main group elements are either amphoteric (Al₂O₃) neutral (CO,NO) or weakly acidic (CO₂).