A05 Reaction of Sodium and Chlorine

Description
A freshly cut piece of sodium is lowered into a beaker of chlorine gas. A white crust forms on the surface. A few drops of water are added to expose the surface of the sodium. The reaction of water and sodium also melts the sodium and initiates a sustained violent reaction of the sodium with chlorine. The products, white sodium chloride and a small amount of black silicon, are shown.

Equation
2 Na + Cl₂--> 2 NaCl

Reference
H. N. Alyea and F. B. Dutton, Eds.,"Tested Demonstrations in Chemistry", 6th ed., Journal of Chemical Education, Easton, Pennsylvania (1965) p.212.