Group 1

• The elements in group 1 of the periodic table are known as the alkali metals and have characteristic properties because of the single electron in their outer shell
• Reaction with water:

  • react vigorously to produce hydrogen gas and metal hydroxides
  • the more reactive the more violent reaction
• Reaction with chlorine:

  • react vigorously to form white metal chloride salts
  • reactivity increases and reactions get more vigorous as you go down the group
• Reaction with oxygen:

  • lithium --> lithium oxide
  • sodium --> a mixture of sodium oxide and sodium peroxide
  • potassium --> a mixture of potassium peroxide and potassium superoxide