Question

Explain why sodium hydroxide solution cannot be kept in aluminium containers? Write the equation for the reaction that may take place for the same.

Answer 1

Explanation:

Aluminum is more reactive than Sodium, so displacement reaction will occur and aluminum will displace sodium from sodium hydroxide and small pores are formed on container

2 Al + 2 NaOH + 6 H2O → 2 Na+ + 2[Al(OH)4]- + 3 H2 (gas)

hence sodium hydroxide solution cannot be kept in aluminum containers.

OR

The other reason

Explanation:Sodium hydroxide is highly reactive solution;it is a strong base and thus can react with Aluminium to give inflammable hydrogen. This gas is dangerous and so sodium hydroxide should not be kept in aluminium containers

Hope it helps...

Answer 2

Explanation:

aluminum is more reactive than sodium, so displacement reaction will occur and aluminum will displace sodium from sodium hydroxide and small pores are formed on the container

equation : 2Al +2NaOH + 2H2O -----------> 2NaAlO2 +3H2