Chemistry · Ch 5 — Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metals
Uses of Alkali Metals
5.2.4
Uses of Alkali Metals
- Lithium is alloyed for several specialised uses: with lead, to make the 'white metal' bearings used in motor engines; with aluminium, for aircraft parts; and with magnesium, for armour plate. It is also used in thermonuclear reactions and to make electrochemical cells.
- Sodium is used to make the Na/Pb alloy needed to manufacture the organolead compounds Pb(Et)₄ and Pb(Me)₄, which were historically used as anti-knock additives in petrol (lead-free petrol is used today). Liquid sodium metal also serves as the coolant in fast breeder nuclear reactors. …