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.
Solution
CO2 can not be used as a fire extinguisher. This is because saline hydrides (such as NaH, CaH2 etc.) react with water violently producing corresponding metal hydrides and dihydrogen.
The above reactions are highly exothermic that evolved H2 immediately catches fire. This fire can not be extinguished by CO2 because it gets reduced by the hot metal hydride.
On the other hand sand (being a stable solid) can be used for extinguishing fire.
The above reactions are highly exothermic that evolved H2 immediately catches fire. This fire can not be extinguished by CO2 because it gets reduced by the hot metal hydride.
On the other hand sand (being a stable solid) can be used for extinguishing fire.
