The violent reaction between sodium hydride and water.

Sodium hydride is a salt-like hydride, composed of Na+ and H− ions, it is an ionic material that is insoluble in organic solvents, but soluble in molten sodium metal and quite often used as a base in chemistry.

When contact with water sodium hydride releases hydrogen, turns into sodium hydroxide and generates a lot heat. Because of this heat the generated hydrogen gas ignites and because of the presence of sodium ions it burns with an intense yellow color (as seen).

NaH(s) + H2O(l) –> NaOH(aq) + H2(g)

Because of this, NaH is usually sold mixed with mineral oil what keeps away water and protects the hydride from moisture. However if it is stored for long time, it should be titrated by measuring the amount of hydrogen generated from the reaction of the hydride and an alcohol.

Science!

9:30 pm • 2 December 2014 • 4,126 notes • View comments