Explain the reactivity of alkali metals towards water.
The alkali metals react with water to form hydroxide and dihydrogen.
It may be noted that although lithium has most negative E0 value, its reaction with water is less vigorous than that of sodium which has the least negative E0 value among the alkali metals. This behaviour of lithium is attributed to its small size and very high hydration energy. Other metals of the group react explosively with water. They also react with proton donors such as alcohol, gaseous ammonia and alkynes.