A chemist attempts to extinguish a laboratory fire caused by the violent reaction of Hydrolith () with a water spill. The chemist uses a standard fire extinguisher, but the fire worsens. What is the p

Question

A chemist attempts to extinguish a laboratory fire caused by the violent reaction of Hydrolith ($CaH_2$) with a water spill. The chemist uses a standard $CO_2$ fire extinguisher, but the fire worsens. What is the precise chemical reason for this exacerbation?

Prashant Kotian · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. Saline hydrides (like or ) burn in water producing fires. A extinguisher fails because the extremely hot, powerful metal hydride reduces the directly into formate () or Carbon Monoxide, rendering the extinguisher useless and dangerous. Sand must be used.

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