01 Introduction to Chemistry
02 Matter and the Atomic Structure
03 The Mole Concept, Chemical Formula and Equation
04 The Periodic Table of Elements
05 Chemical Bond
06 Acids, Bases and Salts
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4.3.3 Reaction of Alkali Metals with Chlorine

Alkali Metals React with Chlorine

  1. All alkali metals react with chlorine gas to form white metal chlorides salt.
    Group 1 Metals + Chlorine Gas → Metal Chloride
  2. The metal chlorides salt formed is soluble in water to give a neutral solution of pH 7.
  3. The reactivity increases down the group from lithium, sodium to potassium.

Example:

Lithium + Chlorine

2Li + Cl2 → 2LiCl

Observation
Lithium burned slowly with a reddish flame . A white solid is produced.

Sodium + Chlorine

2Na + Cl2 → 2NaCl

Observation
Sodium burned brightly with a yellowish flame. A white solid is produced.

Potassium + Chlorine

2K + Cl2 → 2KCl

Observation
Potassium burned very brightly with a purplish flame . A white solid is produced.