What are alkali metals kept in Kerosene?

Explanation

This is because in the air they are easily oxidized to oxide which may dissolve in the moisture of the air to form hydroxides or they also combine directly with water vapours present in moisture to form hydroxides . The hydroxides , in turn , may combine with `CO_(2)` of the atmosphere to form carbonates .
`4 M + O_(2) to 2 M_(2)O , M_(2)O + H_(2) O to 2 MOH`
`2 MOH + CO_(2) to M_(2) CO_(3) + H_(2)O`
Therefore , to protect them from air and moisture , they are kept under kerosene oil .