Question

" When sodium peroxide dissolves in water, it is hydrolyzed and forms sodium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide. "
State whether the above statement is true or false.

Answer 1

Hint: Sodium peroxide is a yellowish-white, water-soluble powder. It is used as an oxidizing agent and a bleaching agent. It is soluble in acids but insoluble in alkalies.
Complete step by step answer:
Sodium peroxide is a chemical compound with chemical formula as ${Na}_{2}{O}_{2}$ and is also known as disodium dioxide. All simple peroxides on contact with water form hydrogen peroxide $({H}_{2}{O}_{2})$. But many inorganic peroxide compounds tend to decompose evolving oxygen.
In case of sodium peroxide $({Na}_{2}{O}_{2})$, when it comes in contact with water, it gets hydrolyzed to form sodium hydroxide $(NaOH)$ and hydrogen peroxide $({H}_{2}{O}_{2})$. The reaction that is involved is given below:
${ Na }_{ 2 }{ O }_{ 2 } + 2{ H }_{ 2 }O \longrightarrow 2NaOH + { H }_{ 2 }{ O }_{ 2 }$

Therefore, the given statement is true.

Additional Information: Sodium peroxide is used to bleach wood pulp for the production of paper and textiles. Nowadays it is mainly used for laboratory operations like in the extraction of minerals from various ores. It is also used as an oxygen source as it reacts with carbon dioxide to produce oxygen and sodium carbonate. It is commonly known as Solozone and Flocool.

Note: Sodium peroxide can vigorously decompose under long exposure to heat, which can cause the rupture of the containers. Proper care should be taken while handling the peroxides as they may cause harm.