m ) Reaction with oxygen : With the exception of Ba and Ra which form peroxides ( MO2 ) rest of the metals form normal oxides ( MO ) on heating with excess of oxygen .
n ) Reaction with halogens : The members of the family combine directly with halogen at appropriate temperature to form corresponding halides .
o ) Reaction with water : The members of this group are less reactive towards water as compared to the corresponding alkali metals because these are less electropositive in nature .
p ) Reaction with hydrogen : The members except Be combine with hydrogen directly upon heating to form metal hydrides .
Uses of some important compounds : -
( i ) Caustic soda It is used : in soap , paper , textile , petroleum industry
( ii ) Sodium carbonate It is used : a ) in glass and soap industry b ) in paper making and textile manufacturing c ) in paint and dye stuffs d ) in metal refining
e ) in production of sodium compounds such as borax , caustic soda , sodium phosphate etc .