An element reacts with oxygen to give a compound with a high melting point. This compound is also soluble in water. The element is likely to be

The element is likely to be a metal. Here's why:

1. Reaction with Oxygen: Most metals react with oxygen to form metal oxides. These reactions are often highly exothermic (they release heat), which is why metals can burn in air or oxygen.

2. High Melting Point: Metal oxides generally have high melting points because they are ionic compounds. In ionic compounds, the positive and negative ions are held together by strong electrostatic forces, which require a lot of heat energy to overcome.

3. Solubility in Water: Many metal oxides are soluble in water and form alkaline solutions. This is because the metal ions can interact with water molecules, allowing the compound to dissolve.

So, based on these properties, the element is likely to be a metal. However, without more specific information, it's impossible to determine which metal it is.