Question

почему щелочные оксиды и металлы хранят под керосином? почему литий,в отличие от натрия и калия, хранят в вазелине?

Answer 1

Why are alkaline oxides and metals stored under kerosene?

Alkaline oxides and metals are often stored under kerosene to prevent them from reacting with moisture and oxygen in the air. This is because alkaline oxides and metals are highly reactive and can easily react with water and oxygen, leading to the formation of oxides, hydroxides, or other compounds.

Kerosene, being an oily liquid, forms a layer on the surface of the stored substances, acting as a barrier between the reactive substances and the surrounding air. This helps to minimize or prevent the contact of the substances with moisture and oxygen, thus reducing the chances of unwanted reactions.

The use of kerosene as a storage medium is particularly important for highly reactive metals like sodium, potassium, and lithium, which can react vigorously with water and even ignite. By storing these metals under kerosene, the risk of accidental reactions and potential hazards is significantly reduced.

It's worth noting that while kerosene is commonly used for storage, other substances like mineral oil or inert gases can also be used depending on the specific requirements of the stored substances.