Question

A dry pellet of a common base B, when kept in open absorbs moisture and turns sticky. The compound is also a by-product of chlor-alkali process. Identify B. What type of reaction occurs when B is treated with an acidic oxide ?

Answer 1

Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a commonly used base and is hygroscopic, i.e., lt absorbs moisture from the atmosphere and becomes sticky. 

The acidic oxides react with base to give salt and water.

2NaOH(aq) + CO₂(g)→Na₂CO₃(aq) + H₂O(l)