Chemical Properties
White powder.Soluble in molten caustic soda or potash;
converted to sodium hydroxide by water.
Uses
Condensing or polymerizing agent in organic
reactions, dehydrating agent, strong base.
General Description
A white granular material. sodium oxide reacts with water to give sodium hydroxide with the evolution of heat. sodium oxide is corrosive to metals and tissue. sodium oxide is used in chemical manufacture.
Air & Water Reactions
The oxides of sodium and potassium react with water vigorously and with enough evolution of heat to cause boiling and spattering of hot caustic solution [Chem. Safety Data Sheets SD-9, SD-10, 1947].
Reactivity Profile
sodium oxide reacts as a base. sodium oxide and nitric oxide react vigorously above 100°C [Mellor 2, Supp. 2:629 1961].
Hazard
Caustic and strong irritant when wet with
water.
Health Hazard
TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substance may cause severe injury, burns or death. Reaction with water or moist air will release toxic, corrosive or flammable gases. Reaction with water may generate much heat that will increase the concentration of fumes in the air. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution.
Fire Hazard
Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Vapors may accumulate in confined areas (basement, tanks, hopper/tank cars etc.). Substance will react with water (some violently), releasing corrosive and/or toxic gases and runoff. Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated or if contaminated with water.
Safety Profile
Very corrosive and irritating to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Can react violently with water,nitric oxide (above 100°C). Ignites when mixed with 2,4-dlnitrotoluene. Mixtures with phosphoms(V) oxide react violently when warmed or on contact with moisture. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of Na2O. See also SODIUM HYDROXIDE.
