he alkali metals are the elements in Group 1 of the Periodic Table: lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K),

rubidium (Rb), cesium (Cs) and francium (Fr). It is important to note that while hydrogen (H) is located at the top of the same column, its characteristics and behaviour are not similar to that of the rest of the group, which is why this element is excluded. The greatest distinction between hydrogen and the rest of the group is the fact that hydrogen is a diatomic gas, and the alkali metals are either solids or liquids: Lithium, sodium, potassium and rubidium are all solids, whereas cesium and francium are liquids. Physical properties The alkali metals in their natural form are silvery in colour (except cesium, which tends to have a golden hue). Being metals, these elements exhibit characteristics typical of other metals in the Periodic Table: They are malleable, ductile and conduct electricity and heat very well. On the other hand, the alkali metals are softer than the other metals and are easily sliced into pieces with a knife, exposing a shiny inner surface that, over time, oxidises to a dull grey. Being so soft, it is easy to accept their low boiling and melting points: For example, potassium melts at 64C and boils at 774C - very low when considering other metals on the Periodic Table. Their densities and standard enthalpies of melting and vaporisation are also considerably low. Melting and boiling points (C) Density (g/cm3) Atomic radius (pm) Alkali metals do not occur as free metals in nature, simply because of their reactivity. They do, however, occur in silicate minerals that undergo weathering to form soluble compounds of the elements. Through the hydrologic cycle, these compounds find their way into landlocked water bodies where over time, their concentrations increase. Through this process, huge underground beds of sodium and potassium compounds were formed as the water body (a lake or isolated sea) evaporated. Sodium, of course, is present in great amounts in ocean water, where the salt sodium chloride is one of the largest contributors to ocean salinity. Francium only occurs in radioactive form and is therefore very rare. An interesting characteristic that the alkali metals exhibit, is a bright, coloured glow when a sample of the metal is heated in a flame: Lithium burns with a deep red glow, sodium burns with an intense yellow flame, potassium glows purple, rubidium is also associated with red, although slightly lighter than that of lithium, and cesium burns with a blue glow. These unique colours are helpful in identifying the various metals. Chemical properties These metals are highly reactive elements on account of their single valence electrons, and therefore easily undergo ionic bonding with other elements. Because they easily react with oxygen and water, they are stored in mineral oil. Their reactivity can be explained by looking at the ground state electron configuration pattern: Lithium: 1s22s1Sodium: 1s22s22p63s1Potassium: 1s22s22p63s23p64s1Rubidium: 1s22s22p63s23p63d104s24p65s1Cesium: 1s22s22p63s23p63d104s24p65s25p66s1Francium: 1s22s22p63s23p63d104s24p65s25p66s26p67s1 In each case, the outer s-orbital contains only one electron. This is the electron that is lost in reaction so that the resulting ion has noble gas electron configuration (that is, is very stable). With each consecutive member of the group, the valence electron is located further and further away from the nucleus, as a whole new electron shell is added each time, making it easier for it to be lost (in effect, the other electrons shield the valence electron from most of the nuclear charge). This also explains why the atomic radius increases as one progresses down the group.

From this, we appreciate that the first ionization energy is low (it is easy to remove the first electron), while the second is much higher (it would be far more difficult to remove one of the p-orbital electrons), and hence, alkali metals have oxidation states of either 0 or +1. This group is known for its strong reducing agents, and with standard electrode potentials varying between -2.7 and -3.0V, the alkali metals easily form cations in solution. For this reason they easily reduce oxygen, chlorine, ammonia and hydrogen. Reactions Reactions with water These metals, being so reactive, react vigorously when exposed to water, and the reactions become more violent for each subsequent element. Usually, the metal skips along the surface of the water with a 'fizzing' sound as it reacts. Whereas lithium and sodium do not produce a flame, reacting potassium will ignite the hydrogen gas and burn with a purple flame. The products formed when an alkali metal reacts with water, are always an alkali metal hydroxide and hydrogen gas: M(s) + H2O(l) MOH(aq) + H2(g) (where "M" represents any of the alkali metals) Other reactions Alkali metals dissolve in liquid ammonia to produce a blue solution that increases in intensity as the solution nears saturation. When alkali metals react with non-metals, only colourless or white compounds are formed in the process. For example, when they burn in oxygen, they form white ionic powders (oxides). When these oxides are dissolved in water, they form highly alkaline metal hydroxide solutions. In general, 4M(s) + O2(g) 2M2O(s) and M2O(s) + H2O(l) = 2MOH(aq) In a reaction with chlorine, an alkali metal oxide or hydroxide produces a colourless, crystalline solid, which, when dissolved in water, gives a neutral solution: MOH (aq) + HCl(aq) MCl(aq) + H2O(l) Reactions of alkali metal oxides or hydroxides with both sulphates and nitrates result in colourless, neutral and soluble crystalline salts and water: MOH(aq) + H2SO4 (aq) M2SO4(aq) + 2H2O(l) MOH(aq) + HNO3 (aq) MNO3 (aq) + H2O(l) A similar reaction occurs between the oxide or hydroxide and a carbonate, except that the salt product is white and slightly alkaline. Uses Alkali metal compounds are used directly in products such as fertilizers, explosives and fireworks, detergents, air-regeneration systems, food preservatives and textile bleach. Indirectly, they are used in the manufacturing processes of soap, glass, certain pharmaceuticals (Li2CO3, in particular, is used in the treatment of manic depressive disorders), indigo dye, paper and porcelain. The alkali metals differ from other metals in several ways. They have low densities and are less dense than water and they also have low standard enthalpies of melting and evaporation which makes them soft that makes it easy to figure out their boiling points and melting points. They are considered as malleable ductile and conductor of electricity and heat. These metals are highly reactive elements and therefore easily undergo ionic bonding with other elements. Alkali metals are known for its strong reducing agents. The alkali metals easily form cations in solution, they can reduce Oxygen, Ammonia, and Hydrogen. The reaction with oxygen tarnishes the metals in air so they are stored under mineral oil.