The document summarizes the general characteristics and properties of compounds of alkali metals such as lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, and cesium. It discusses their oxides, hydroxides, halides, oxo-acids, and carbonates. Key points include that the compounds are generally ionic in nature, their physical properties change systematically down the groups (e.g. melting points decrease), and they are generally soluble with high negative enthalpies of formation. Sodium carbonate prepared by the Solvay process is discussed as an important sodium compound used for water softening, laundering, and other industrial applications.