Ionic hydrides are frequently used to remove traces of water from organic compounds. What is the underlying basis of this process?

Explanation

Electrolysis of solutions of ionic hydrides in molten alkali halides produce hydrogen gas at the anode which confirms the existances of hydride, `H^(ɵ)` ion.
`underset(("Melt"))(2H^(ɵ))overset("Anode")toH_(2(g))+2e^(ɵ)`
since hydrides react explosively with water.
`NaH_(s)+H_(2)O_(aq)toH_(2(g))+NaOH_(aq)`
`H^(ɵ)` is a strong bronsted base, which has high reactivity with water. the fire so produced can be exitingushed by `CO_(2)` as it gets reduced by the hot metal hydride.