Hydrogen (H) is the first element in the periodic table. It is the essential element found on the planet, and it is the lightest of all the elements in the periodic table. The word “hydro” is derived from a Greek word that means “water.” Lavoisier was aware that it existed in each water molecule.
Hydrogen is a colorless, odourless gas with the lowest density of any gas. Because it is generated from water and reverses to water when oxidised, it is regarded as the future’s renewable fuel. Chemical compounds containing hydrogen atoms are known as hydrogen compounds. Hydrogen sulphide, hydrogen halides, hydrogen peroxide, phosphine, ammonia, etc., are hydrogen compounds.
Information about compounds of hydrogen
Many atmospheric molecules use hydrogen compounds as their primary oxidants, and hydrogen compounds can be found in the states of several chemical groups.
Phosphine
Phosphine (PH3) is a phosphorus compound that falls into a class of compounds known as organophosphorus. Philippe Gengembre was the first to obtain this chemical in 1783. He produced phosphine by heating phosphorus in a potassium carbonate aqueous solution.
Applications of phosphine
- In semiconductor production, it is used as a dopant in small amounts.
- PH3 is employed in Holme’s signal because of its spontaneous combustion property.
Ammonia
Ammonia (NH3) is a colourless gas that contains the elements nitrogen (N) and hydrogen (H). In its aqueous form, it’s known as ammonium hydroxide. In its condensed state, NH3 is toxic and corrosive.
Application of ammonia
- One of the most critical ammonia applications is as a fertiliser in agriculture.
- Ammonia is frequently used on agricultural soils to boost nitrogen content and soil fertility in anhydrous, aqueous solutions or ionic salts.
- It is used as a rocket engine fuel.
- It is used to make synthetic fibres such as nylon and rayon.
- It’s used as a refrigerant and in the fermentation sector.
Hydrogen chloride
Muriatic acid is the common name for hydrochloric acid. Glauber made hydrogen chloride for the first time in 1648 by heating sodium chloride with concentrated H2SO4. Davy demonstrated in 1840 that HCl is a chlorine-hydrogen compound.
Applications of Hydrogen Chloride
- Aqua regia, chlorine, and other chlorides are all made using HCl.
- To dissolve noble gases in HCl, used as a solvent.
- In laboratories, it is used as a reagent.
Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is the most basic kind of peroxide. It’s a colourless liquid used to keep things clean in aqueous solutions. It’s used as both a disinfectant and a bleaching agent. Because concentrated hydrogen peroxide is a highly reactive oxygen species, it is used as a fuel in rocket engines.
Application of hydrogen peroxide
- Hydrogen peroxide is a common chemical used in industrial and domestic waste treatment.
- It’s a bleaching agent for pulp and paper.
- It is used to treat wastewater.
- H2O2 is used to disinfect wounds.
Hydrogen sulphides
H2S is the chemical formula for hydrogen sulphide. It is a poisonous, corrosive, and combustible gas that is colourless and smells like rotten eggs. The majority of hydrogen sulphide is used in the manufacturing industry.
- Hydrogen sulphide is flammable and highly volatile, which can cause life-threatening scenarios if improperly handled.
- When hydrogen sulphide gas is burned, sulphur dioxide and other hazardous gases/vapours are easily produced.
Conclusion
Many chemicals in the atmosphere include hydrogen compounds as their primary oxidants, and hydrogen compounds are involved in the cycles of many chemical families.