What Happens When Sodium Hydride Reacts with Water?

TL;DR

When sodium hydride is added to water, it reacts vigorously, forming sodium hydroxide and releasing hydrogen gas. This reaction causes a color change in phenolphthalein indicator from colorless to pink, indicating the formation of hydroxide ions. The vigorous reaction can occasionally produce flames, emphasizing the need for safety precautions.

Transcript

we've decided to come outside and try an experiment out here while the weather is nice and dry what we've got inside that huge beaker is water and we've put in an indicator called phenol failing so at neutral that's colourless but once we put this other chemical in there sodium hydride the sodium hydride will react with the water and it should be a... Read More

Key Insights

• 🫢 Sodium hydride reacts vigorously with water, producing sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.
• 😑 Phenolphthalein indicator changes color to pink in the presence of hydroxide ion.
• 😑 Sodium hydride contains the hydride ion (H-) which reacts with water.
• 💦 The reaction between sodium hydride and water can sometimes result in flames.
• 💦 Safety precautions are essential when working with reactive compounds like sodium hydride.
• 😒 The experiment showcases the principles of chemical reactions and indicator use.
• 💁 Sodium hydride dissolution in water forms Na+ and H- ions in solution.

Questions & Answers

Q: What happens when sodium hydride reacts with water?

When sodium hydride reacts with water, it produces sodium hydroxide, hydrogen gas, and turns the solution pink due to the presence of phenolphthalein indicator.

Q: Why does the solution turn pink when sodium hydride is added?

The solution turns pink because the hydroxide ion produced by the reaction of sodium hydride with water reacts with the phenolphthalein indicator, changing its color.

Q: Why is sodium hydride considered an interesting compound?

Sodium hydride is considered interesting because it contains the hydride ion (H-), which reacts vigorously with water, producing hydrogen gas and sodium hydroxide.

Q: What safety precautions should be taken when performing this experiment?

Safety precautions such as wearing protective gear, ensuring proper ventilation, and handling sodium hydride with caution should be followed to prevent accidents.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Experiment with sodium hydride and water in beaker outdoors.

• Sodium hydride reacts with water, producing sodium hydroxide turning solution pink.

• Sodium hydride contains hydride ion (H-) which reacts with water to form hydrogen gas and hydroxide ion.