The element sodium (Na) was first isolated by Sir Humphry Davy in 1807 through the electrolysis of molten sodium hydroxide (caustic soda). This landmark discovery followed his earlier work on electrolyzing melts and helped establish modern electrochemistry, including the isolation of other alkali and alkaline earth metals.

Brief context

• Before isolation as a metal, sodium existed in compounds (notably as part of common salt, NaCl).

• Davy’s method involved passing an electric current through fused sodium hydroxide, yielding elemental sodium.

• The discovery contributed to naming conventions for alkali metals and sparked further exploration of electrochemical reductions.

If you’d like, I can provide a short, referenced timeline with key milestones around the discovery of sodium and related elements.