Question

name the deliquescent alkali

Answer 1

Sodium hydroxide NaOH

Answer 2

Sodium hydroxide is a deliquescent alkali.

• Deliquescent substances are solids that tend to absorb moisture from the air and dissolve it.
• This process occurs when the vapour pressure of the solution that is formed is less compared to the partial pressure of water vapour in the air.
• For example, NaOH, KOH, FeCl3, LiCl, Cu (NO3)2, NaNO3, LiNO3 etc are deliquescent substances.
• Hygroscopic substances such as paper, cotton, caramel, fertilizer and common table salt are considered deliquescent.
• Certain hydrated crystalline salts when exposed to the atmosphere at ordinary temperature lose their water of crystallization molecules either partially or completely and become anhydrous.
• This is called efflorescence.
• This process occurs when the aqueous vapour pressure of the hydrate is greater compared to the partial pressure of the water vapour in the air.
• The efflorescent substance is a water-based chemical compound with its molecules, which, when exposed to air, lose this water through evaporation.
• Due to the affinity of deliquescent substances to atmospheric pressure, such materials may require storage in very tightly sealed containers or storage tanks.
• Several deliquescence brines from salts at elevated temperatures are corrosive, especially when they persist.
• Most of the time, excessive amounts of deliquescence can lead to elevated absorption of moisture that increases the stress of materials.

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