If you look at the Periodic Table, cesium is in Group 1 of the elements and is known as the alkali metals. This group is characterized by its low melting point and a silvery-gold appearance. It is also extremely reactive and flammable. But this spontaneous element, also named caesium, has found many uses in chemistry and technology.
The most important compound of the element is cesium chloride, which forms from the combination of the element with diluted hydrochloric acid. This is a very dense, soluble crystal. It is used as a catalyst for chemical reactions in drug development and production. It is also an excellent scavenger for heavy metals and radioactive cesium-137, which is released by nuclear power plants and nuclear weapons testing.
Another interesting cesium compound is potassium bromate, which has the formula KBrO3. This is an ionic compound that can be dissolved in polar solvents like water. It is a powerful oxidizing agent and can be reduced to potassium bromide with the help of a strong reducing agent such as sodium sulfate or thiosulfate.
This process is called substitution reaction and is a good way to study the structure of an ionic compound. It is important to remember that the oxidation state of an alkali metal depends on its position in the valence shell. The most stable oxidation state for cesium is +1 and this can be confirmed by studying its reaction with copper (II) chloride. As shown in the video above, when a solution of sodium bromate and copper (II) chloride is heated in an alcohol burner, it reacts to give a beautiful blue color.