Non-metals are also called electronegative elements because the non-metal atom form negatively charged ion by accepting electrons. Following are the important chemical reactions of non-metals.
1. Reaction of Non-metals with Oxygen
All non-metals react with oxygen to form acidic or neutral oxides. For example, Carbon forms acidic carbon dioxide on reacting with oxygen.
C + O2 → CO2
(Carbon + oxygen → Carbon Dioxide)
In the same way sulphur reacts with oxygen of air to form acidic sulphur dioxide.
S + O2 → SO2
(Sulphur + Oxygen → Sulphur Dioxide)
2. Reaction of Non-metals with Water: Non-metals do not react with water.
3. Reaction of Non-metals with Dilute Acids
Non-metals do not react with dilute acids and don’t displace hydrogen from dilute acids, because non-metals are electron acceptor. So, they cannot supply electrons to H+ ions. So, they do not displace hydrogen from dilute acids.
4. Reaction of Non-metals with Chlorine
Non-metals react with chlorine to form covalent chlorides. For example,
H2 + Cl2 → 2HCl
(Hydrogen + Chlorine → Hydrogen chloride)
P4 + 6Cl2 → 4PCl3
(Phosphorous + Chlorine → Phosphorous trichloride)
5. Reaction of Non-metals with Hydrogen
Non-metals react with hydrogen to form covalent Hydrides. For example,
H2 + S → H2S
(Hydrogen + sulphur → Hydrogen sulphide)
N2 + 3H2 → 2NH3
(Nitrogen + Hydrogen → Ammonia)
Test Your Understanding and Answer These Questions:
- What are chemical properties of nonmetals?