Question

Saline hydrides are known to react with water violently producing fire. Can CO₂, a well known fire extinguisher, be used in this case? Explain. 

Answer 1

Saline hydrides (i.e., NaH, LiH, etc.) react with water to form a base and hydrogen gas. 

The chemical equation used to represent the reaction can be written as: 

The reaction is violent and produces fire. CO₂ is heavier than dioxygen. It is used as a fire extinguisher because it covers the fire as a blanket and inhibits the supply of dioxygen, thereby dousing the fire. CO₂ can be used in the present case as well. It is heavier than dihydrogen and will be effective in isolating the burning surface from dihydrogen and dioxygen.