Question

Distinguish clearly between salt-like and covalent hydrides.

Answer 1

• Salt-like hydrides are also called ionic hydrides. They are formed by group $1$ and $2$ elements with $H_2$. They are basic in nature. They dissolve in water forming alkali and give $H_2$ gas, .e.g., $NaH,Ca{H}_2,KH,$ etc.

• Covalent hydrides are formed between less electropositive or electronegative elements. Ex:$B_2{H}_6,Al{H}_3,Be{H}_2,$ They are insoluble in water.