SECTION C - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY

SECTION C - METALS
METALS

METALS
OBJECTIVES
• Describe the physical and chemical properties of metals.
• Describe the reactions of metallic oxides, hydroxides,
nitrates and carbonates.
• Discuss the reactivity of metals.
• Deduce the order of reactivity of metals.
• Describe the extraction of aluminium and iron.
• Explain why metal alloys are often used instead of the
metals.
• Relate the properties of metals (Al, Fe & Pb) and their
alloys to their uses.
OBJECTIVES cont'd
• Investigate the conditions necessary for the corrosion of
metals.
• Explain the importance and harmful effects of metals and
their compounds on living systems and the environment.
METALS
• Metal atoms have a small number of valence electrons
(usually 1, 2 or 3).
• Have very distinct physical properties due to metallic
bonding that takes place between their atoms.
• Metal lattice is composed of metal cations surrounded by
a 'sea' of delocalised (mobile) electrons.
• The lattice is held together by the strong electrostatic
forces of attraction between the positive cations and the
negative elcetrons.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
1. High melting and boiling points
 Strong electrostatic forces of attraction between
positive cations and negative, delocalised electrons.
 Require large amount of heat to separate the atoms
 All are solids at room temperature except mercury
(liquid).
2. Good conductors of electricity & heat:
 delocalised electons in the metal lattice act as charge
and heat carriers allowing an electric current and heat
to be carried through the metal respectively.

3. Have a shiny lustre:

 mobile electrons reflect the photons of light back from
the metal surface.
4. Hard, malleable and ductile:
 Not easily damaged when force is applied.
 Can be bent and hammered into different shapes.
 Can be drawn out into wires.
(atoms can roll over each other into new position
without breaking the metallic bond - they are of the
same shape and size).
5. Have high densities:
 Atoms are packed very closely together.
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
1. Reducing agent - gives up electrons when reacting,
causing other reactant to gain electrons (RIG).

2. Form an alloy with other metals or non-metals.

REACTIVITY OF METALS
REACTONS OF METALS
 With oxygen (air):
 Some react slightly on exposure (most stable).
 The surface of some oxidizes immediately on exposure.
 Some react so vigorously, they have to be stored under
parrafin e.g., sodium & potassium.
 Form ionic compounds known as metal oxides.

metal + oxygen metal oxides

 Description of reaction when exposed to dry
Metal air
Potassium Reacts very readily forming potassium oxide
Sodium Reacts very readily forming Na2O
Calcium Reacts readily to form a coating of CaO
Magnesium Reacts slowly to form a coating of MgO
Aluminium Reacts slowly to form a thin coating of Al2O3
Zinc Reacts very slowly to form a thin coating of ZnO
Iron Does not react with dry air
Copper Does not react with dry air

Silver Does not react with dry air

 With water:
 Highly reactive whe exposed to water
 Metal hydroxide and hydrogen gas are produced
metal + water metal hydroxide + hydrogen

 When reacted with steam, metal oxide and hydrogen gas

produced.
metal + steam metal oxide + hydrogen
Some do not react with water but react with steam (less
reactive)
 Description of reaction with water or steam
Metal
Potassium Reacts vigorously with cold water producing a lilac flame

Sodium Reacts vigorously with cold water producing orange flame

Calcium Reacts moderately with cold water

Magnesium Reacts very slowly with cold & hot water & vigorously with
steam
Aluminium Does not react with cold or hot water but reacts with steam

Zinc Does not react with cold or hot water but reacts with steam

Iron Does not react with cold or hot water but reacts with steam

Copper Does not react with water or steam

Silver Does not react with water or steam

 With dilute acid:
 Reactive metals react with acids to form a salt and
hydrogen.
reactive metal +acid salt + hydrogen

 Exception: Nitric acid (HNO3)

 React to produce a salt, nitric oxides and water
 HNO3 is a strong oxidizing agent and so the
hydrogen gas produced is oxidised to water.
K(S) + 2HNO(aq) KNO3 (aq) + NO2 (g) + H2O(l)
 Description of reaction with hydrochloric acid
Metal
Potassium Extremely violent reaction
Sodium Violent reaction
Calcium Fairly violent reaction
Magnesium Very vigorous reaction
Aluminium Vigorous reaction
Zinc Fairly vigorous reaction
Iron Very slow reaction
Copper Does not react with dilute acids

Silver Does not react with dilute acids

 The production of
hydrogen gas can be
confirmed by holding a
lighted splint near the
mouth of the test tube.
 A 'squeaky pop' sound
confirms it.
 It is unadvisable to
perform the reactions of
K, Na or Ca with acids
because they react so
violently.
REACTIONS OF METAL COMPOUNDS
 Metal oxides:
 React with acid to form salt and water
 Known as a neutalisation reaction
 Exothermic (produces heat)
CuO(s) + H2SO4(aq) CuSO4(aq) + H2O(l)

(black, powdery copper(ii) oxide disappears slowly and

blue solution is formed).
 Metal hydroxides:
 Also react with acids to form salt and water
 Neutralisation reaction

Cu(OH)2(s) + 2HNO3(aq) Cu(NO3)2(aq) + 2H2O(l)

 Metal carbonates:
 React with acids to form salt, carbon dioxide & water.
 Effervescence (bubbling) is seen

FeCO3(s) + H2SO4(aq) FeSO4(aq) + CO2(g) + H2O(l)

• Fairly vigorous effervescence

• Green iron (ii) carbonate quickly disappears and green
solution forms due to the production of soluble iron (ii)
sulfate which contains green Fe2+ ions.
REACTIVIT Y OF METALS
• Some metals are so unreative that they must be stored
out of contact with oxygen and or moisture in air.
• They occur in the Earth's crust in ionic compounds from
which they are extracted (ores).
• The unrective ones occur in the Earth's crust in their
elemental state.
• Reactivity is determined by how easily its atoms
ionise (ease of ionisation).
• The more easily it ionises = the more reactive it is
DISPLACEMENT REACTIONS
• Metals take part in displacement reactions.
• A more reactive metal in its free state (higher in the
electrochemical series) displaces a less reactive metal
from a compound.
• The more reactive metal is ionised while the less reactive
metal is discharged to form atoms.
• Usually lead to the formation of a precipitate (less
reactive metal that is being discharged).
• Usually exothermic reactions. (include eg of eq. with
metals far away from each other in the series).
• K, Na and Mg appear to be the most reactive with
oxygen, water and acid (HCl and H2SO4).
• Copper is the least reactive with oxygen and it does not
react with steam or dilute acids.
• Silver does not react with oxygen, water nor dilute acids.
• The very reactive metals (K and Na) form fairly stable
compounds.
• Their carbonates are so stable that they are not
decomposed when heated and their nitrites are only
decomposed slightly.
DISPLACEMENT REACTIONS
• Also redox rections
• More reactive metals = Reducing agent
• It gives electons to the less reactive metal to form ions.

Example:
Mg(s) + CuSO4(aq) MgSO4(aq) + Cu(s)
Overall ionic equation:
Mg(s) + Cu2+(aq) Mg2+(aq) + Cu(s)
DECOMPOSITION OF METALS
• The more reactive a metal, the more difficult it is to
decompose its nitrate, carbonate or hydroxide on heating.
• Table 1 shows the lowest temperatures at which
Group II carbonates decompose.
Barium Calcium Magnesium Strontium
Carbonate carbonate carbonate carbonate carbonate

Decomposition 1360 900 540 1280

temp (℃)
• From the data 1.Mg
in the table, you can see that the order of
decomposition is:

Ease of
4.Ba decom. 2.Ca

3.Sr
• Therefore, the order of reactivity would be:
Barium (most reactive)

Strontium

Calcium

Magnesium (least reactive)

• Some observations on the amount of nitrogen dioxide
(brown gas) produced when different nitrates undergo
thermal decomposition.
• Barium nitrate - Hardly any brown gas is produced on
strong heating.
• Copper(ii) nitrate - Large amounts of brown gas
produced on gentle heating.
• Magnesium nitrate - Some brown gas is produced on
strong heating.
• Barium is most reactive, followed by magnesium then
copper (least reactive).
EXTRACTION OF METALS
• Most metals occur combined with other elements in
impure ionic compounds (ores) from which they can be
extracted.
• Most important ores:
 metal oxides
 sulfides
 carbonates
• The extraction of metals from its ores is a reduction
process - Cation gains electron & discharged to form
atoms.
REACTIVIT Y VS EXTRACTION OF METALS
PLACE IN EXAMPLE OF METHOD ADVANTAGE/
REACTIVITY METALS USED FOR DISADVANTAG
SERIES REDUCTION E
HIGH (FORM VERY POTASSIUM, K ELECTROLYSIS OF 1) Uses high amounts of
STABLE IONS WHICH SODIUM, Na MOLTEN ORE energy.
ARE DIFFICULT TO CALCIUM, Ca
REDUCE) MAGNESIUM, Mg 2) Very expensive
ALUMINIUM, Al

LOW (FORM LESS ZINC, Zn HEATING THE ORE 1) Uses less energy
STABLE IONS WHICH THOSE BELOW IT WITH A REDUCING
ARE EASIER TO AGENT (such as 2) Less expensive
REDUCE) carbon, carbon
monoxide and oxygen)
1. Aluminium
• Third most abundant in the earth's crust.

• Extracted from bauxite - impure hydrated aluminium

oxide, Al2O3.xH2O.

• After mining, the bauxite is then purified to form pure,

anhydrous aluminium oxide (alumina, Al2O3).

• The alumina is then exported to Canada & the USA where

the aluminum is extracted by electrolysis.
Extraction of Aluminium
1. The pure alumina (aluminium oxide) is dissolved in
molten cryolite (sodium aluminium floride, Na3AlF6) at
about 950 0C.
• Melting point of alumina is too high (2050 0C) and its a
poor conductor when molten.

2. Molten cryolite/alumina solution is electrolysed in the

electrolytic cell:
•Al3+ cathode reduced to form Al atoms:
Al3+(l) + 3e- Al(l)
• Molten that forms is collected at the bottom of the cell and
tapped off. It is then made into steels and blocks.

• O2- ions anode oxidised to form O2 gas.

2O2-(l) O2(g) + 4e-

• Oxygen gas released as bubbles. It forms carbon dioxide

by reactive with the active carbon electrodes.
• Electrodes need to be replaced over time.
2. Iron
• Main ore from which iron is extracted:
 haematite (impure iron(iii) oxide, Fe2O3)
 magnetite (impure iron(ii,iii) oxide, Fe3O4)

• Extraction involves reducing the ore in a blast furnace

using carbon dioxide (reducing agent).
Extraction of Iron
A mixture of iron ore, limestone
&Extraction
coke is addedof Iron the top
through
of the furnace.

Hot air is blown in through the

bottom of the furnace

At the bottom, the coke burns in

the hot air forming carbon
dioxide
In the middle, the CO2 reacts
with more coke to form carbon
monoxide.CO2 + C 2CO

The CO rises up the furnace &

reduces the iron ore to iron.
Fe2O3 + 3CO 2Fe + 3CO2

The molten iron runs to the

bottom of the furnace where it is
tapped off.
• The molten iron contains:
 About 4% carbon
 Other impurities such as silicon and phosphorous
 Known as 'pig iron'
 Most of the pig iron is then purified and converted into
steel (alloy of iron).

• Limestone is added to the mixture to remove silicon

dioxide (impurity) which would eventually build up and
clog up the furnace.
USES OF METALS
1. Aluminium
• Has a thin layer of aluminium oxide on its surface making
it very resistant to corrosion.
• Produce louvred windows and window frames
• Aluminium cans used to store food and drink.
• Overhead power cables (good conductor of electricity).
• Aluminium foil & saucepans.
• Usually alloyed with other mela to make it stronger.
2. Lead
• lead-acid batteries (because it is highly resistant to
corrosion & conducts electricity).
• Used as a radiation shield around X-ray equipment
and nuclear reactors.
(Persons are given a lead apron to wear when doing X-ray
which shields them from the harmful effects).
3. Wrought Iron
• Most widely used of all metals due to its abundance, low
cost & high strength.
• Pure Fe (wrought iron) is usually soft and so it is usually
hardened by allowing it with Carbon to form Steel.
• Make ornamental structures (such as furniture, lighting
fixtures, gates and railings.
ALLOYS AND THEIR USES
• More than one metals are combined to form a mixture of
metals (alloys). Sometimes a non-metal is added.
• They are solid, metallic solutions.
• Metals are heated, mixed thoroughly and cooled to
solidify again.
• Purpose is to improve/modify the properties of the metal.
Table 3. Composition, uses and properties of
aluminium alloys
Alloy Composition Uses Properties

- 94% aluminium - Construction of Stronger than

Duralumin - 4% copper aircraft aluminium so can
- small amounts of - to make withstand greater
magnesium & precision tools stress
manganese
-95% aluminium -Contruction of Stronger, harder &
Magnalium -5% magnesium aircraft & more resistant to
automobile parts. corrosion than
-Metallic mirrors aluminium, lighter in
& scientific weight
intsruments
Composition, uses and properties of some iron
alloys
1) Mild Steel (about 0.25% Carbon) - is soft & malleable. It
is used for making wires and in general engineering e.g; car
bodies & building where shaping is required. Also used to
make cans for food & drinks, where it is covered with tin to
prevent it from rusting.

2) High carbon steel (Between 0.5% & 1.4% carbon) - is

harder but more brittle. Used ot make tools such as
hammer and chisels.
3) Low alloy steel (between 1% and 5% of other metals
such as chromiun, manganese, nickel & titanium) - Hard
& string and have low ductility & malleability. Nickel steels
are used for bridges & bicycle chains, where strength is
required. Tungsten steel is used for high-speed tools
because it does not change shape at high temperatures.

4) Stainless steels may contain up to 20% chromiun &

10% nickel - Strong and resist corrosion. Used for
construction of industrial chemical vessels, surgical
instruments & cutlery.
Lead Alloys
• Lead is often mixed with:
 tin
 antimony (silvery-white metalloid)
 copper
• Common alloy - lead solder (60% lead and 40% tin.
• Used to join metallic items together (whose melting point
are higher then that of lead solder).
• Lead solder has a lower melting point than lead and is
also harder and stronger.
1. The method used to extract a metal from its ore is
determined by:
A. The melting point of the metal
B. The position of the metal in the reactivity series
C. The solubility of the ore
D. The electrical conductivity of the molten ore
Graded Activity
6 (a) In solution, two metals A and B form A+ and B2+
respectively. Metal A displaces Fe from a solution
containing Fe2+ ions and metal B does not.
(i) Arrange the metals A, B and Fe in order of reactivity from
LEAST reactive to MOST reactive. Write a balanced
chemical equation to show the reaction between metal A
and Fe2+ ions. (4 marks).
(ii) Metal A is placed in a solution of copper(ii) sulfate ,
CuSO4(aq) . Write an equation for the reaction. State ONE
observable change that will occur and explain why this
reaction takes place. (5 marks).
(iii) For EACH metal, A and B, State one method that can
be used to extract it fromm its respective oxide. Give a
reason for EACH answer. (4 marks).

(b) Metal alloys are often used for making objects found in
our daily lives. Name an alloy from iron and state one of its
uses. (2 marks).
CORROSION OF METALS
• Occurs when the surface of the metal gradually wears
away due to its reaction with chemicals in the
environment (mainly oxygen and moisture).

• Speeded up by the presence of certain air pollutants.

• When metals corrode, they are oxidised to their oxides.

• They sometimes form salts e.g. carbonates being formed

from their reaction with carbon dioxide.
CORROSION OF METALS cont'd
• The rate at which they corrode is linked to their
reactivity. (more reactive = faster corrosion)

• Metals used close to the sea will corrode at an even

faster rate than normal due to the presence of sodium
chloride in the atmosphere.

• Corrosion of aluminium is mostly beneficial.

Corrosion of Aluminium
• Forms a layer of aluminium oxide on exposure to air.
• It adheres to the method, and does not peel off, forming
an unreactive layer, hence protecting the metal from
further corrosion.
• Can be made even more resistant to corrosion by
anodising.
• This is a process by which the oxide layer on the
aluminum is thickened by electrolysis.
• It makes the surface harder and readily absorbs dyes.
• Other metals that
may also be
anodised include
magnesium and
titanium.
• Done by immersing
the aluminium in an
acid electrolyte bath
& passing current
through it.
Corrosion of Iron
• On exposure to oxygen and moisture in the air iron &
steel objects immediately begin to corrode.
• Forms mainly hydrated iron(iii) oxide, Fe2O3.xH2O.
• Has an orange-brown colour and commonly known as
rust.
• Both water or moisture and oxygen must be present in
oorder for rusting to occur.
• Rust flakes off and exposes fresh iron to oxygen or
moisture.
IMPACT OF METALS ON THE
ENVIRONMENT
• Metal ions play a vital role in the functioning of living
systems.
• Some ions are required by the human body in excess of
100mg per day e.g. calcium, sodium & magnesium.
• Others are recommended in smaller amounts for good
health (microminerals or trace minerals) e.g. manganese,
iron, cobalt, copper, molybdenum, selenium and
chromium.
The importance of metals to life
• Iron(ii) ions are important in the correct functioning of
haemoglobin (protein) in RBCs. A molecule called
haem is attached to the protein. Fe2+ ion at the centre is
bonded to four nitrogen atoms.
• Zinc ions are bonded to enzyme (carbonic anhydrase)
present in RBCs, which catalyses the removal of carbon
dioxide. The zinc plays a critical part in the way the
reaction works.
Harmful effects of metals & their compounds
Sources in the
Environment
Metal Ion Toxic Effects

Disused car batteries, car Damages many body tissues &

Lead exhaust fumes, lead based organs (esp kidneys), bones &
paints nervous system. interferes with
normal formation of RBCs.
Reduced IQ & learning disorders
in kids.
Disused thermometers & Damages the central nervous
Mercury fluorescent lights, system impairing muscular
combustion of coal, coordination, hearing, sight,
extraction & refining of speech and the sense of touch
metals such as gold. known as Minimata disease.
Manufacture of NaOH.
 Sources in the
Metal ion environment Toxic effects

Disused nickel-cadmium Damage to the respiratory

Cadmiun batteries, cigarette smoke, system, kidneys and liver.
comnustion of foddil fuels, Causes osteoporosis where
extraction & refining of the bones become weakened
metals, manufacture of & fragile.
paint & certain plastics (eg
PVC).
Mining of certain metals Causes cancer and skin
(esp gold), extraction & problems. Also damages the
Arsenic ourification of metals, nervous system, heart and
burning of fossil fuels (esp blood vessels.
coal).