All alkali metals form various oxides, hydroxides, carbonates and nitrates. They are hence, known as the most reactive elements as they have the weakest nuclear charge in the respective period. They have the tendency to lose their one valence electron in the last shell and form strong ionic bonds with their anions.Let’s, one by one study the characteristics of the compound of the alkali metals.

Forming Oxides and Hydroxides

The property of alkali metals allows their oxides, their peroxides and their super-oxides to dissolve in water quite readily. Such dissolving in water produces corresponding hydroxides which are basically very strong alkalis. Certain examples in the form of a chemical equation that display such phenomenon are as follows:

2Na + 2H2O → 2NaOH + H2

Na2O +2H2O→ 2NaOH

Na2O2+2H2O→ 2NaOH + H2O2

2KO2+2H2O→ 2KOH + H2O2+ O2

The alkali metals tend to combine directly with different halogens under appropriate conditions, thus forming halides of the general formula MX. Examples that demonstrate the formation of such halides are as follows:

M2O + 2HX → 2MX + H2O

MOH + HX → MX + H2O

M2CO3+ 2HX → 2MX + CO2+ H2O