
The first element in the periodic table of elements is hydrogen, which has the chemical symbol H. It is the most fundamental of all the elements on the earth. Hydrogen is the lightest element in the periodic table, with H atoms responsible for 90% of all atoms in the universe. The name hydrogen is given by the chemist Lavoisier. Its name comes from the Greek word hydro, which means “water.” It was known to Lavoisier that it existed in each water molecule.
Hydrogen is a colourless, odourless gas with the lowest density of all gases. It is known as the future’s renewable fuel, as it is made from water and returns to water when oxidized. Hydrogen compounds are chemical compounds which include hydrogen atoms. There are many hydrogen compounds available like hydrogen sulphide, hydrogen halides, phosphine, ammonia, etc.
Information about hydrogen compounds
Many substances in the atmosphere use hydrogen compounds as their primary oxidants, and hydrogen compounds are present in the phases of many chemical groups.
1. Ammonia (NH3)
The chemical formula of ammonia is NH3. It is a colourless gas and made up of two elements, nitrogen and hydrogen. It’s known as ammonium hydroxide in its aqueous form. NH3 is harmful and caustic in its condensed form.
Uses of NH3
- Ammonia is used as a fertilizer in agriculture, which is one of its most critical applications.
- Ammonia is often combined with agricultural soils, either in its anhydrous form or in aqueous solutions or in the form of ionic salts, to improve the nitrogen content and soil fertility.
2. Phosphine (PH3)
Phosphine is a phosphorus compound that belongs to the organophosphorus group of chemicals. PH3 is the chemical formula for this substance. In the atmosphere, the concentration of this substance varies. It is essential to the biochemical cycle of phosphorus.
Uses of PH3
- It is used as a dopant in small quantities in semiconductor manufacturing.
- Because of its spontaneous combustion feature, PH3 is used in Holme’s signal.
3. Hydrogen sulphides (H2S)
The chemical formula of hydrogen sulphide is H2S. The H2S gas is colourless and has a heavy rotten egg odour and it is a toxic, corrosive, and flammable gas. Hydrogen sulphide is mostly used in the manufacturing sector.
The deliberate mixing of household chemicals to create hydrogen sulphide is a popular method of suicide that puts first responders in danger. Since early detection and diagnosis are critical for care, medical staff must be experienced with hydrogen sulphide diagnosis.
Safety Hazards
- Hydrogen sulphide is a highly volatile and flammable gas that, if treated improperly, can result in life-threatening situations.
- Hydrogen sulphide gas readily burns and creates other poisonous gases and vapours, such as sulphur dioxide.
4. Hydrogen peroxides (H2O2)
The most basic type of peroxide is hydrogen peroxide. H2O2 is the molecular formula for hydrogen peroxide. It’s a colourless liquid that’s used in aqueous solutions to keep things clean. It is being used as a disinfectant as well as a bleaching agent. In rocketry, concentrated hydrogen peroxide is used as a propellant because it is a highly reactive oxygen species.
Uses of hydrogen peroxides
Hydrogen peroxide is a common chemical used for the treatment of both industrial and domestic waste.
- It is used in the bleaching of paper and pulp.
- It is used in laundry detergents.
- H2O2 used in the treatment of wastewater.
- Wounds need to be disinfected by using H2O2
- As a propellant, high-concentration H2O2 is being used.