Property 4: The reaction of metals with bases
Generally, metals do not have a tendency to react with bases. But some metals that are amphoteric in nature that is the element will exhibit both acidic as well as basic properties. Aluminium, zinc, tin, lead are examples of amphoteric elements.
When these metals react with bases they try to behave more like acids and form amphoteric oxides or hydroxides.
For example,
When a piece of aluminium foil is added to a strong base like sodium hydroxide along with water, initially, no drastic changes will be seen. However later on, when a burning match stick, or a candle is kept near the mouth of the beaker, a “cracking” or “popping” sound is heard. This is the indication of the liberation of Hydrogen gas.
𝟐𝑨𝒍 + 𝟐𝑵𝒂𝑶𝑯 + 𝟐𝑯𝟐𝑶 → 𝟐𝑵𝒂𝑨𝒍𝑶𝟐 + 𝟑𝑯𝟐 ↑
This indicates that when such metals react with bases, Hydrogen gas is released.
Summary
| The reaction of metals with bases | Amphoteric metals react with bases to release Hydrogen gases |
Also Check:
Chemical Properties of Metals – Property 1