Sodium Hydride and Water Reaction | NaH + H2O
Sodium hydride (NaH) violently reacts with water (H2O) and produce sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and hydrogen gas. (H2). This reaction occurs so fast and form a basic solution. .
written by: Heshan Nipuna, updated on: 30/08/2022
Sodium hydride reacts violently with water to give NaOH which is a strong base and combustible gas, hydrogen.
NaH + H2O → NaOH + H2
Reaction characteristics
- Pure NaH is colorless, although samples generally appear grey. At room temperature, NaH is a solid.
- The aqueous solution after products are given, is a basic solution due to formation of sodium hydroxide. Sodium hydroxide dissolve very well in water.
- Hydrogen gas is a combustible gas. This may cause to explosions.
- NaH can ignite in air, especially upon contact with water to release hydrogen gas.
Balanced Equation of sodium hydride and water
2NaH(s) + 2H2O(l) → 2NaOH(aq) + H2(g)
According to the stoichiometry , 2 mol of NaH react with 2 mol of water and give two mole of NaOH and 1 mol of H2.
NaH + H2O is a redox reaction
Because oxidation numbers of hydrogen atoms are changed when products are given this reaction is a redox reaction.
- In NaH, hydrogen is at -1 oxidation state. But, in water, oxidation number of hydrogen is +1.
- Oxidation number of hydrogen in H2 is 0.
- Therfore. oxidation numbers of hydrogen atoms in the left side if the equation has changed.
- Oxidation numbers of sodium and oxygen atoms have not changed.
How to balance equation of sodium hydride and water
Because this reaction is a redox reaction, you can follow steps redox reactions balancing to balance the equation.
- Determine oxidation numbers of each element in the reaction.
- Identify atoms which are oxidized and reduced. Already, we have noticed that, hydrogen atoms were oxidized and reduced. Oxidation number of sodium and oxygen atoms are not changed.
- Equalize number of atoms of oxidized and reduced in both sides of the reaction. Therefore hydrogen atoms should be equalized.
How NaH is prepared?
Sodium hydride (NaH) is produced by the direct reaction of hydrogen and liquid sodium metal.
Questions asked by students
Ask your question and find the answer free.
what is the formula for sodium hydride
You know sodium only form ionic compounds and its only valence is one. Also sodium only make cations. But, hydrogen can make negative charges and its charge is -1. Hydrogens's only valence is one. Therefore both sodium and hydrogen's have only valence 1. Therefore, chemical formula of sodium hydride is NaH.
Will sodium hydride and water reaction can be explosive?
Yes. Hydrogen gas is produced in this reaction. Therefore, there is a possibility to occur fires.