Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hello,

Is there any way I can separate the sodium from ordinary salt, so that I can use the sodium metal for future experiments?

Thank you,
Coinjunky2

Yah, the process is called electrolysis. You need to have liquid/molten salt.

http://www.gcsechemistry.com/ex4.htm

You're going to get Chlorine gas, and plus, you are going to need something super hot. And you said you wanted to keep the sodium for the future, but that's not a hot idea, as sodium will react with water in the air. If you want sodium, the best idea is just to buy it from a chem store.[/url]

coinjunky2 wrote:Hello,

Is there any way I can separate the sodium from ordinary salt, so that I can use the sodium metal for future experiments?

Thank you,
Coinjunky2

Hello, coinjunky2!

grashapa1 has is right. The way to liberate sodium from salt is to pass an electircal current through molten sodium chloride. The resulting byproduct - chlorine gas - is very dangerous! I think you should avoid attempting this process. Plus sodium is one of the most reactive elements. That's why we don't find it in a natural state. If you really want to have some, I found a place online that sells 250 gram lumps of sodium packed in oil for $669! Whew! I list the price not because I really think you should buy it but to let you know that sodium is very expensive to produce. You aren't going to be able to pull it off with a bunsen burner and a dry cell battery. It takes some serious equipment.