A solution of sodium metal in liquid ammonia is strongly reducing due to the presence of

Options

A. Sodium atom
B. Sodium hydride
C. Sodium amide
D. Solvated electrons

Explanation

To solve the question "A solution of sodium metal in liquid ammonia is strongly reducing due to the presence of", we need to analyze the components involved in the solution and their properties. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the solution:

### Step 1: Understand the Components
- Sodium metal (Na) is an alkali metal that can react with liquid ammonia (NH₃).
- Liquid ammonia acts as a solvent in this scenario.

**Hint:** Identify the key components involved in the reaction.

### Step 2: Identify the Nature of the Solution
- A solution of sodium in liquid ammonia is known to be strongly reducing. This means it has the ability to donate electrons readily.

**Hint:** Recall what it means for a solution to be reducing.

### Step 3: Determine the Source of Reducing Power
- The reducing nature of the solution is primarily due to the presence of solvated electrons. When sodium dissolves in ammonia, it donates electrons, which become solvated (surrounded by ammonia molecules).

**Hint:** Consider what happens to sodium when it dissolves in ammonia.

### Step 4: Define Solvated Electrons
- Solvated electrons are free electrons that are stabilized by the surrounding solvent molecules (in this case, ammonia). These electrons are responsible for the reducing properties of the solution.

**Hint:** Think about how electrons behave in a solvent and what "solvated" means.

### Step 5: Analyze the Options
- The question provides multiple-choice options. The correct answer is the presence of solvated electrons, as they are the reason for the strong reducing nature of the solution.

**Hint:** Compare the options given in the question to determine which one aligns with the concept of solvated electrons.

### Conclusion
- Therefore, the solution of sodium metal in liquid ammonia is strongly reducing due to the presence of **solvated electrons**.

**Final Answer:** The correct answer is solvated electrons.

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