Final answer:
The soft, highly reactive metal referred to in the question is sodium. Sodium's compounds include table salt, lye, and baking soda.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of this question is Chemistry. The soft, highly reactive metal being referred to is sodium (Na). Sodium is a Group 1 alkali metal that is soft, shiny, and highly reactive. It can react with substances like water and sweat to form corrosive compounds, such as sodium hydroxide.
Sodium's compounds include table salt (sodium chloride, NaCl), lye (sodium hydroxide, NaOH), and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate, NaHCO3). Table salt, which is commonly used as a condiment and food preservative, is made by the reaction of sodium and chlorine gas under the right conditions.