Question

What is formed when sodium reacts with ammonia (nh3)?

Answer 1

By the reaction of sodium with liquid ammonia sodium amide can be prepared. Sodium(alkali metal) dissolves dissolves in liquid ammonia solution to form a blue solution characteristic of a solvated electron in liquid ammonia, which is conducting in nature, due to ammoniated electrons (solvated electron).

The redox chemistry of sodium in liquid ammonia is fairly complex. Solvated electrons form (to give the blue colour). As more metal is added the electrons COUPLE to form bronzes, reducing conductivity. Diluted solutions are deep blue coloured while concentrated are bronze coloured.

When the blue solution evaporates, a bronze metallic ring is observed at a concentration of about 1 mole sodium/6 to 10 moles ammonia. The reaction is run a second time with a bit of iron(III) oxide which catalyzes the reduction of ammonia to sodium amide and hydrogen. Sodium amide, a strong base, is frequently used as a reagent in non aqueous reactions.

Equation

Na + (x+y) NH3 --> Na(NH3)x+ + e-(NH3)y (blue) sub>3 + 2 Na (Fe2O3(rust) catalyst) → 2 NaNH2 + H2

Answer 2

quєstíσn :

• What is formed when sodium reacts with ammonia (nh3)?

αnswєr :

• By the reaction of sodium with liquid ammonia sodium amide can be prepared. Sodium(alkali metal) dissolves dissolves in liquid ammonia solution to form a blue solution characteristic of a solvated electron in liquid ammonia, which is conducting in nature, due to ammoniated electrons (solvated electron).
• The redox chemistry of sodium in liquid ammonia is fairly complex. Solvated electrons form (to give the blue colour). As more metal is added the electrons COUPLE to form bronzes, reducing conductivity. Diluted solutions are deep blue coloured while concentrated are bronze coloured.

• When the blue solution evaporates, a bronze metallic ring is observed at a concentration of about 1 mole sodium/6 to 10 moles ammonia. The reaction is run a second time with a bit of iron(III) oxide which catalyzes the reduction of ammonia to sodium amide and hydrogen. Sodium amide, a strong base, is frequently used as a reagent in non aqueous reactions.

• Equation

• Na + (x+y) NH3 --> Na(NH3)x+ + e-(NH3)y (blue) sub>3 + 2 Na (Fe2O3(rust) catalyst) → 2 NaNH2 + H2