1. Highly Reactive: Alkali metals are the most reactive metals in the periodic table. They readily lose their single valence electron, forming cations with a +1 charge. This high reactivity makes them prone to reacting with water, oxygen, and even air.

2. Soft and Malleable: Alkali metals are soft enough to be cut with a knife. They are also malleable, meaning they can be hammered into thin sheets. This softness is due to their loosely held outer electron.

3. Low Melting and Boiling Points: Compared to other metals, alkali metals have relatively low melting and boiling points. This is because the weak metallic bonding between their atoms is easily broken.