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sodium-potassium alloy

chemistry
Also known as: NaK

Quick Summary

A sodium-potassium alloy, known as NaK, is a liquid metal alloy that melts at a significantly lower temperature than its constituent elements, sodium and potassium. The specific alloy with approximately 78% potassium has a melting point of -10 °C (14 °F).1

NaK is utilized as a heat-transfer fluid and as a reactant in organic synthesis. It also finds application as a coolant in certain nuclear reactors and has been experimented with in gas-turbine power plants. While sodium itself is highly reactive, sodium amalgams (alloys with mercury) are used to moderate its reactivity in certain chemical processes.123

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