Note 47 — Chapter XII · SODIUM

A compound, Na2Cl, which corresponds with the suboxide, is apparently formed when a galvanic current is passed through fused common salt; the sodium liberated dissolves in the common salt, and does not separate from the compound either on cooling or on treatment with mercury. It is therefore supposed to be Na2Cl; the more so as the mass obtained gives hydrogen when treated with water: Na2Cl + H2O = H + NaHO + NaCl, that is, it acts like suboxide of sodium. If Na2Cl really exists as a salt, then the corresponding base Na4O, according to the rule with other bases of the composition M4O, ought to be called a quaternary oxide. According to certain evidence, a suboxide is formed when thin sheets or fine drops of sodium slowly oxidise in moist air.