Oxygen gas produced by a Solid element + sodium hydroxide solution?

In summary, the conversation discusses the production of oxygen gas from solid elements when added to a solution of sodium hydroxide. It is mentioned that oxidation releases energy and reduction requires energy, and that peroxides and superoxides can react with water to produce oxygen. However, there are currently no solid elements that will react with sodium hydroxide to produce oxygen. The strongest oxidizing element that is solid at STP is iodine, but it does not produce oxygen in alkali solutions.
  • #1
BenDover
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TL;DR Summary
Solid element + sodium hydroxide solution = oxygen gas
Hello. I am wondering; which solid at room temperature elements produce oxygen gas when put into a solution of sodium hydroxide?

Thanks
 
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  • #2
BenDover said:
Summary:: Solid element + sodium hydroxide solution = oxygen gas

Hello. I am wondering; which solid at room temperature elements produce oxygen gas when put into a solution of sodium hydroxide?

Thanks
In general, oxidation relases energy (e.g. burning produces heat), and reduction requires energy (e.g. electrolysis of water produces hydrogen and oxygen).
 
  • #3
In general peroxides and superoxides often react with water producing oxygen. Not that they specifically require alkaline solution (they do produce hydroxides while reacting though).
 
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  • #4
There are no solid elements that will react with aqueous sodium hydroxide to produce oxygen.
 
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  • #5
@chemisttree, doesn't potassium perchlorate plus water produce potassium hydroxide plus oxygen?
 
  • #6
Potassium perchlorate is not an element. It is a compound.
 
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Oops, I didn't read carefully enough ##-## I'd have thought that fact would go without saying. :wink:
 
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In general, what you need to produce oxygen from water is oxidants.
There is one free element oxidant consistently strong enough to react with water to produce oxygen, but it is gaseous at STP: fluorine. Chlorine is close, but also gaseous.
Strongest oxidizing element which is solid at STP is iodine, but it does not produce free oxygen in alkali solutions: it produces iodides and iodates.
 
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  • #9
snorkack said:
In general, what you need to produce oxygen from water is oxidants.
The way I read it question is not about "producing oxygen from water" but about "producing oxygen in a reaction with water". If so, anything that decomposes in the presence of water producing oxygen fits.
 
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  • #10
Borek said:
The way I read it question is not about "producing oxygen from water" but about "producing oxygen in a reaction with water". If so, anything that decomposes in the presence of water producing oxygen fits.
Yes, but the only element that can decompose to oxygen is, well, oxygen.
It does have a second reasonably metastable allotropic form (ozone), but this is also a gas at STP.
 
  • #11
snorkack said:
Yes, but the only element that can decompose to oxygen is, well, oxygen.
It does have a second reasonably metastable allotropic form (ozone), but this is also a gas at STP.
Water (with or without .1 M lye dissolved in it) can decompose into hydrogen and oxygen, but, as @chemisttree stated, oxygen is not released by introduction of a solid element to aqueous sodium hydroxide.
 
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  • #12
There are no solid elements that will react with aqueous sodium hydroxide to produce oxygen.
 
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FAQ: Oxygen gas produced by a Solid element + sodium hydroxide solution?

How is oxygen gas produced by a solid element and sodium hydroxide solution?

When a solid element, such as magnesium or iron, is added to a solution of sodium hydroxide, a chemical reaction occurs. The solid element reacts with the sodium hydroxide to form a new compound, while also releasing oxygen gas as a byproduct.

What is the purpose of using sodium hydroxide in this reaction?

Sodium hydroxide is a strong base that is commonly used in chemical reactions to facilitate the production of oxygen gas. It helps to break down the solid element and promote the release of oxygen gas.

How does the amount of solid element affect the amount of oxygen gas produced?

The amount of oxygen gas produced is directly proportional to the amount of solid element used in the reaction. This means that the more solid element you use, the more oxygen gas will be produced.

Is the production of oxygen gas a spontaneous reaction?

No, the production of oxygen gas in this reaction is not spontaneous. It requires the addition of a solid element and sodium hydroxide solution, as well as a source of energy such as heat or light, to occur.

What safety precautions should be taken when conducting this experiment?

It is important to wear protective gear, such as gloves and goggles, when handling sodium hydroxide as it is a caustic substance. Additionally, the reaction may produce heat and gas, so it should be conducted in a well-ventilated area to avoid any potential hazards.

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