Overview
It is important to recognize that although only reactions of lithium and sodium of the Group 1 metals were mentioned in this module, other Group 1 metals react with the nonmetals and with water to give analogous products.
The rate of reaction (reactivity) increases going down Group 1. Thus lithium reacts more slowly with water than sodium or potassium. Any of these reactions can be vigorous for the hydrogen released to burn in air. The image shows this for potassium metal.
Reaction with the important Group 16 element, oxygen, has not been covered. This is because most Group 1 metals are unusual in that the product of their reaction with O2 does not contain the O(-2) expected based on the position of oxygen in the periodic table. The nature of the products formed is more appropriately discussed in the context of Group 16 chemistry.
Reaction with the important Group 16 element, oxygen, has not been covered. This is because most Group 1 metals are unusual in that the product of their reaction with O2 does not contain the O(-2) expected based on the position of oxygen in the periodic table. The nature of the products formed is more appropriately discussed in the context of Group 16 chemistry.