Saline hydrides are known to react with water violently producing fire. Can CO2, a well-known fire extinguisher, be used in this case? Explain.
1. Saline hydrides basically refer to the metal hydrides like NaH, LiH etc and such hydrides when come in contact with water they react violently with water to form base and liberate hydrogen gas.
2. The generalized reaction is as follows: MH + H2O → MOH + H2
3. The reaction is very violent and has the tendency to catch fire.
4. CO2 is heavier than dioxygen and the mains reason for its use in fire extinguisher is its ability to form a blanket over the fire which limits the supply of oxygen and hence the fire extinguishes.
5. In the present case also carbon dioxide is heavier than hydrogen and it can be used to extingiush the fire.