Britannica
Sources used in this answer
What are the chemical formulas for sodium hydride and calcium hydride?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
The chemical formulas for these saline (ionic) hydrides are as follows:
- Sodium hydride: NaH12
- Calcium hydride: CaH₂134
These compounds are classified as saline hydrides because they contain the hydride anion () and are typically formed through the direct reaction of alkali metals or alkaline-earth metals with hydrogen at elevated temperatures. Both substances are known to react vigorously with water to produce hydrogen gas.1324