Are alkali metals stable?

No. Alkali metals (Group 1: lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, and francium) are among the most chemically reactive metals. Georgia State University’s HyperPhysics notes that they react vigorously with water to form hydroxides and hydrogen, and they quickly form oxides in air, so they are never found as free elements in nature—only in ionic compounds.

Their reactivity comes from a single, easily lost valence electron; activity generally increases down the group. That is why lab samples are typically stored under oil, away from moisture and air.

Source: HyperPhysics (Georgia State University) — Alkali Metals

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