Melting point: Around 1,132°C; 2,070°F. The melting point of sodium oxide is quite high, as there is ionic bonding in the solid between the oxygen and sodium.

Boiling Point: About 1,400 °C (2,552 °F). Similar to the melting point, this boiling point also is at a very high value and tells about the stability of the ionic compound.

Solubility in Water: Sodium oxide is soluble in water. It reacts with water exothermically to give sodium hydroxide (NaOH):

This reaction yields a solution that is very alkaline in nature and hence one of its useful properties in application processes.

Density: Approximately 2.27 g/cm³. Its relatively high density corresponds to the general rule for ionic compounds.

Hardness and Brittleness: Sodium oxide is hard and brittle, characteristic of many ionic solids. It may break or shatter under stress instead of deforming.

Chemical properties

Basicity

Sodium oxide is a basic oxide and thus reacts with acids to form salts and water.

Reaction with Water

When sodium oxide is dissolved in water, it reacts exothermically to produce sodium hydroxide

The resulting solution is very alkaline.

Reaction with Carbon Dioxide

Sodium oxide can react with carbon dioxide present in the air to yield sodium carbonate

This reaction is more pronounced in moist conditions.

Reaction with Nonmetals

Sodium oxide reacts with most of the nonmetals, such as sulfur dioxide to form sulfites

Thermal Stability

Sodium oxide is thermally stable and does not decompose easily at high temperatures, thereby making it a useful compound at high temperature.

Formation of Complex Ions

Sodium oxide can form complexes if ligands are present with which sodium oxide can react. Complexity can be important in many chemical processes.

Oxidizing Agent

Although it is essentially a basic oxide, sodium oxide can, under specific conditions, exhibit the properties of an oxidation agent and participate in electron-transfer reactions.

Application

Glass Production

Sodium oxide is highly involved in the production of glass. It lowers the melting point of silica (silicon dioxide) and increases the workability and chemical durability of the glass

Ceramics

In ceramics, the sodium oxide is used for the vitrification process to increase the mechanical strength and thermal stability of the ceramic product.

Chemical Synthesis

The sodium oxide acts as a precursor for the sodium compounds: sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate and sodium sulfite, which play a central role in all chemical reactions.

Water Treatment

It is used in the treatment of water to adjust its pH, making the water less acidic, so it is used for many applications.

Catalysis

As a consequence of its very basic nature, sodium oxide can act as a catalyst in certain chemical reactions; it might be needed in the conversion processes of alcohols or other organic materials.

Metallurgy

Sodium oxide is applied in metallurgy to forge some of the metals or their alloys. It assists in the metal extraction process by serving as a flux to remove impurities from the metal.

Manufacturing of Ceramics and Glaze

It is used in glazes to give ceramics specific colors and finishes. This would make the product more aesthetic and functional.

Research and Laboratory Use

Sodium oxide is found in many laboratory works involving chemical experiments and studies, especially in inorganic chemistry and materials science.

Nuclear Technology

Sodium oxide should be in nuclear reactors as part of the coolant or as one of the components of certain types of nuclear fuels.

Conclusion

In short, sodium oxide is one of the main compounds widely used in manufacturing processes including glass and ceramic industries, chemical synthesis and water treatment. With such properties like high melting point, solubility in water and basic in nature, there is much application within the parameter of chemistry for altering pH balances and initiating reactions. Overall, sodium oxide's versatility and importance result in its sure employment in certain applications.

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Sodium Oxide Formula

The formula for Sodium oxide is Na₂O.

There are two sodium (Na) atoms and one oxygen (O) atom.

Physical properties

Appearance: Sodium oxide is a white, solid crystalline substance. It can be present in the powder form too.