Group 1 (IA) Element - Hydrogen

Sources and Discovery of Hydrogen

Hydrogen is the lightest substance known and the most abundant element in the universe. It has a
mass of just 0.09 g per litre at normal temperature and pressure. Though it is present in abundance
in celestial bodies, like the sun and stars, it is not present in a free state in our atmosphere.
Hydrogen is present in the combined form in many substances, like water, acids, alkalis,
hydrocarbons, carbohydrates, fats and oils, proteins, cellulose, etc.

Position of Hydrogen in the Periodic Table

Hydrogen is the first element of the periodic table. Its atomic number is 1, which indicates the
presence of only one electron in the atom of hydrogen. This electron is present in its first shell.
Hydrogen resembles both alkali metals (group I A) as well as halogens (group VII A) therefore its
position is said to be anomalous.
Preparation of Hydrogen
Hydrogen can be prepared from cold water, steam, acids and alkalis.
From cold water
Highly electropositive metals like potassium, calcium and sodium combine with cold water, even
ice-cold water to give their respective hydroxides and hydrogen.
Industrial Preparation of Hydrogen by Bosch process

Industrial hydrogen is prepared with the help of coke, air and water. Coke is packed into a huge
furnace or chamber, and very hot air is passed through for some time. The oxygen of the air
combines with the coke to form carbon dioxide, liberating huge amount of heat, i.e., it is an
exothermic reaction.

     

Physical Properties of Hydrogen

     1. A colourless, odourless and tasteless gas.

     2. Non-poisonous.

Chemical Properties of Hydrogen

Reaction with litmus paper

Hydrogen is neutral to litmus. When we introduce wet blue and red litmus paper into a jar of
hydrogen, no change of color is noticed.

Tests for Hydrogen

1. Burns in air, with a pale blue flame, to form only water.

2. Lighter than air- lightest substance known, rises always high.

Uses of Hydrogen

As a fuel
Hydrogen has a high calorific value, and as such, is an ideal fuel. It has a high calorific value. It is
also 100% pollution free, as the only product formed on combustion is water vapour. Many gaseous
fuels such as; water gas, coal gas, etc. contain comparatively high percentage of hydrogen.

Summary
Hydrogen is absent in the free state in the earth's atmosphere. But in the combined state it is found
in water, acids, alkalis, carbohydrates, fats, oils, proteins, cellulose etc.

Sources and Discovery of Hydrogen

Hydrogen is the lightest substance known and the most abundant element in the universe. It has a
mass of just 0.09 g per litre at normal temperature and pressure. Though it is present in abundance
in celestial bodies, like the sun and stars, it is not present in a free state in our atmosphere.
Hydrogen is present in the combined form in many substances, like water, acids, alkalis,
hydrocarbons, carbohydrates, fats and oils, proteins, cellulose, etc.

Position of Hydrogen in the Periodic Table

Hydrogen is the first element of the periodic table. Its atomic number is 1, which indicates the
presence of only one electron in the atom of hydrogen. This electron is present in its first shell.
Hydrogen resembles both alkali metals (group I A) as well as halogens (group VII A) therefore its
position is said to be anomalous.

Some Basic Features of Hydrogen

Symbol H
Molecular formula H2
Atomic number 1
Mass number 1
Atomic mass 1.008
Molecular mass 2
Electronic configuration 1
Valency + 1 or - 1
1
1 H Protium
Isotopes of Hydrogen
1
  2 H Deuterium
  1
3 H Tritium

 Remember:

Isotopes are atoms of the same element having the same atomic number, but different mass number.
Properties of Hydrogen that Resemble Alkali Metals

Electronic configuration

Hydrogen atom has one electron in its valence shell like alkali metals.

Valency

Hydrogen generally shows + 1 valency like alkali metals.

Metallic character

It readily loses its electron to form a positive ion like other alkali metals.

Combination with non-metals

Hydrogen, like the alkali metals, combines readily with non-metals like halogens, oxygen, sulphur,
etc.

Reducing agent

Hydrogen is a good reducing agent like other alkali metals.

Properties of Hydrogen that Resemble Halogens

Non-metallic character

Hydrogen is a non-metal like halogens.

Atomicity

Like halogens, hydrogen is diatomic (H2) whereas metals are monoatomic.

Valency

Like halogens, hydrogen may also show 1 valency by accepting an electron. Example: NaH
(Sodium hydride)

Nature of compounds

Hydrogen combines with non-metals like carbon, silicon, etc. to from covalent compound like
halogens.

Examples: CH4 and CCl4.

Remember:
In 1766, Henry Cavendish, an English chemist, discovered hydrogen, by treating iron with dilute
sulphuric acid. He also proved that when hydrogen is burnt in air, water is the only product
obtained. It was "hydrogen", meaning "water producer" (Hydro = water,

gen = generator or producer). Cavendish called this gas "Inflammable gas". Hydrogen has three
isotopes namely protium, deuterium and tritium.

Form the above points it is clear that hydrogen is a unique element,

which exhibits the properties of both alkali metals and the halogens.
Thus it is difficult to assign a definite position to it in the periodic
table.

Isotopes of Hydrogen

All isotopes of the same element have the same number of protons, but a
variable number of neutrons. The isotopes of hydrogen have the
following structures (Fig.9.1).

Protium has an atomic number 1, and mass number 1 .

Deuterium, has an atomic number 1, and mass number 2 .

Tritium has an atomic number 1, and mass number 3

Preparation of Hydrogen

Hydrogen can be prepared from cold water, steam, acids and alkalis.

From Water
(i) From cold water

Highly electropositive metals like potassium, calcium and sodium combine with cold water, even
ice-cold water to give their respective hydroxides and hydrogen.
If a small piece of sodium is placed on cold water, it floats on water. It then melts to form a silvery
ball, and darts about liberating hydrogen gas and heat. The hydrogen produced can catch fire and
burn, due to the heat generated (Fig.9.2).

To prepare and collect hydrogen gas, a small piece of sodium is wrapped in a small wire gauze to
make it sink in water and a gas jar filled with water, is inverted over it (Fig.9.3).

Care should be taken to see that only a very small piece of sodium (about 1 g) is, used. If a larger
piece is used, it may explode.

(ii) From steam

Metals like magnesium and zinc will burn in steam, to form their respective oxides and liberate
hydrogen.

Water is taken in a conical flask and boiled. A magnesium ribbon is attached to a rubber stopper.
When a steady stream of steam is obtained, the ribbon is ignited and the rubber stopper fixed onto
the flask as shown in the figure (Fig.9.4). The burning magnesium continues to burn in steam,
liberating hydrogen, which is collected in a jar.

 
 

When steam is passed over red-hot iron, the iron combines with the oxygen of the steam to form the
magnetic oxide of iron (Fe3O4) and give out hydrogen. This is a reversible reaction and so the
hydrogen formed should be continuously drawn out: otherwise, it will reduce the iron oxide back to
iron.

Iron wool/steel wool is taken in a combustion tube and heated till it is red hot. Then steam is passed
over it.

The above reaction occurs and hydrogen gas is formed.

(iii) By electrolysis

Hydrogen can also be prepared from water by electrolysis, after acidifying it with sulphuric acid.
The water decomposes to form hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen gas is liberated at the cathode and
oxygen at the anode (Fig.9.6). The volume of hydrogen formed is double that to the oxygen.
From Acids
All acids contain hydrogen. When metals react with acids the metals displace hydrogen from the
acid and take its place, forming the respective salts.

Metals like potassium, calcium, sodium and magnesium are not used, as they react violently,
leading to an explosion.

Metals, which are placed below hydrogen in the metal activity series, also cannot be used as they
fail to replace the hydrogen from acids. Lead cannot be used, as it forms a protective layer of lead
sulphate or lead chloride on the metal surface. This prevents the further action of the acid. The
reaction with iron is too slow. A small quantity of copper sulphate that acts as a catalyst is used to
increase the rate of this reaction.

The reaction of some of these metals with acids to give hydrogen are as follows:

However, the above metals are not considered for the laboratory preparation of hydrogen due to
their associated problems.

In the laboratory preparation of hydrogen, zinc is preferred, as it reacts smoothly with either
hydrochloric acid or sulphuric acid to produce hydrogen gas.
The apparatus for the laboratory preparation of hydrogen using zinc and dilute hydrochloric acid is
set up as shown in figure 9.7.

From Alkalis

Metals like zinc, lead and aluminium react with alkalis to yield salt and hydrogen.

Remember:
Hydrogen prepared by any of the above mentioned methods may contain impurities, and as a result
may have a smell. Passing hydrogen through water or potassium hydroxide solution or potassium
permanganate solution purifies the gas. It is then dried by passing through anhydrous calcium
chloride or quick lime. Ultimately, it is collected over mercury.

Hydrogen needed to fill balloons is prepared by treating aluminum powder with a concentrated
solution of sodium hydroxide (Fig.9.8).

Industrial Preparation of Hydrogen by Bosch process

Industrial hydrogen is prepared with the help of coke, air and water. Coke is packed into a huge
furnace or chamber, and very hot air is passed through for some time. The oxygen of the air
combines with the coke to form carbon dioxide, liberating huge amount of heat, i.e., it is an
exothermic reaction.

Due to the heat evolved, the coke becomes white hot. As most of the oxygen from the air is used up,
the white hot coke combines with the carbon dioxide to form carbon monoxide.

This mixture of carbon monoxide and nitrogen is called 'Producer Gas'. The reaction being
endothermic, the temperature comes down. Yet the coke is still white hot.

At this time the supply of air is cut off, and steam is sent in. The steam combines with the white hot
coke to form carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide is
called 'Water Gas'.

The production of water gas is an endothermic reaction. As a result the temperature comes down
and the coke is no longer white hot. Hence steam will condense on the coke and the reaction will
stop. So before this happens the supply of steam is cut off. Hot air is sent in again, followed by
steam i.e., alternatively hot air and steam are sent in, forming producer gas and water gas
alternatively.

Both, producer gas and water gas are fuels. But water gas is a much better fuel than producer gas as
both the constituents of water gas (carbon monoxide and hydrogen) are combustible, whereas, in
case of producer gas, only one of the constituents (carbon monoxide) is combustible. Producer gas
is recycled in the process itself and burnt to preheat the air and produce steam.

The water gas so obtained is then mixed with more steam and passed over heated ferric oxide at a
temperature of about 450oC. Ferric oxide acts as a catalyst. The carbon monoxide from water gas,
takes away the oxygen from steam to produce carbon dioxide and more hydrogen.

This reaction has a two-fold advantage. Firstly, the poisonous carbon monoxide is converted to non-
poisonous carbon dioxide and secondly, the quantity of hydrogen is doubled.

Both carbon dioxide and hydrogen obtained are then passed through water under high pressure.
Carbon dioxide dissolves in water to form carbonic acid while hydrogen hardly dissolves and it can
be collected very easily.

Physical Properties of Hydrogen

1. A colourless, odourless and tasteless gas.

2. Non-poisonous.

3. Its vapour density is 1. (Vapour density of air = 14.4). Thus it is much lighter than air.
Passing hydrogen through soap solution can easily prove this. The bubbles formed will rise
into the air.

4. Solubility of H2 is very low. Only 2 volumes of hydrogen dissolve per 100 volumes of water
under ordinary conditions.

5. Hydrogen can undergo liquefaction. Cooling hydrogen to below -240oC, under a pressure of
20 atmospheres or more, can liquefy it. Liquid hydrogen is a colourless liquid, which boils
at -253oC. It solidifies when allowed to evaporate, because, during the process, intense
cooling takes place. Solid hydrogen is a transparent ice like crystalline substance with melts
at -259. 4oC.

Remember:

Adsorption

Adsorption or occlusion is the phenomenon by which certain substances collect large volumes of
gases, on to their surfaces. Certain metals like gold, platinum, palladium, etc adsorb hydrogen. One
volume of finely divided palladium can adsorb nearly 900 volumes of hydrogen at room
temperature.
Chemical Properties of Hydrogen

Hydrogen is neutral to litmus. When we introduce wet blue and red litmus paper into a jar of
hydrogen, no change of color is noticed.

Combustibility

Pure hydrogen burns quietly in air or oxygen with a pale blue flame to give water and large amount
of heat. However, hydrogen mixed with a little air, when ignited starts burning with a "pop" sound
or explosion. If a mixture of 2 volumes of hydrogen and 1 volume of oxygen is ignited, a rather
loud explosion occurs. If a pinch of well-divided platinum is added to this mixture, the mixture
explodes instantly.

The following experiment is carried out to show the reactivity of hydrogen with oxygen. A jet of
hydrogen is burnt along with oxygen within a large inverted funnel as shown in figure 9.9.

The vapour formed is passed through the Leibig's condenser. It gets condensed to form a colorless,
odourless, tasteless and neutral liquid. This collected in a beaker. When a few drops of this liquid
are added to white anhydrous copper sulphate, the latter turns blue. This proves that the liquid is
water.

Remember:

Water can be considered as an oxide of hydrogen, namely dihydrogen monoxide.

Though hydrogen is combustible, it does not support combustion. A burning splinter introduced
deep into a jar of hydrogen is put off, though the gas itself catches fire and burns at the mouth of the
jar (Fig.9.10).
Combination with non-metals

Hydrogen combines with non-metals, to give the respective hydrides.

 With oxygen

Hydrogen burns in oxygen to form water. Instead of igniting the mixture, if a small quantity of well
divided platinum is added to the mixture of the two gases, they instantly combine to form water.
The platinum acts as a catalyst.

 With chlorine

Hydrogen combines with chlorine to form hydrogen chloride, in the presence of sunlight. In
diffused sunlight, the reaction is slow. The reaction is extremely slow in the dark.

If a burning jet of hydrogen is introduced into a jar of chlorine, hydrogen will continue to burn in
chlorine, and the greenish yellow color of chlorine gradually disappears, due to the formation of
colorless hydrogen chloride. (Fig.9.11).

 With sulphur
When hydrogen is passed through boiling sulphur, a gas with an unpleasant odour of rotten eggs is
evolved. When the gas is tested with lead acetate paper, the paper turns black. This shows the
presence of hydrogen sulphide (Fig.9.12).

 With nitrogen

Since nitrogen is a less reactive gas, it needs the presence of catalysts and promoters and
corresponding suitable conditions of temperature, pressure, to combine with hydrogen. Under these
conditions it reacts to form ammonia.

Remember:

A promoter is a substance that increases the efficiency of a catalyst.

Reaction with metals

As hydrogen behaves like a metal, it usually does not combine with metals. However, highly
electro-positive metals like potassium, sodium and calcium combine with hydrogen, to form their
respective hydrides. In these hydrides, hydrogen has a negative valency (H-1).

Remember:
On the other hand, when hydrogen combines with non-metals, it forms compounds, which on
dissolving in water, produce positively charged hydrogen ions (H+) e.g., hydrogen sulphide,
hydrogen chloride etc.

Action with metallic oxides - As a reducing agent

Hydrogen acts as a reducing agent when acting with some metallic oxides. A reaction in which
oxygen is taken away from a compound is known as 'Reduction'. When passed over heated metallic
oxides, hydrogen reduces the oxides to the respective metals by removing oxygen.

A combustion tube with a wide diameter is taken. Three crucibles, with small amounts of copper
oxide, lead oxide and ferric oxide respectively, are placed in the combustion tube. The tube is then
strongly heated and hydrogen passed through it. All the three oxides get reduced to the respective
metals (Fig. 9.13).

However, oxides of potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and aluminium do not lose their
oxygen in this manner.

Tests for Hydrogen

1. Burns in air, with a pale blue flame, to form only water.

2. Lighter than air- lightest substance known, rises always high.

3. Colourless- odourless- neutral gas.

Uses of Hydrogen

Hydrogen has a high calorific value, and as such, is an ideal fuel. It has a high calorific value. It is
also 100% pollution free, as the only product formed on combustion is water vapour. Many gaseous
fuels such as, water gas, coal gas, etc. contain comparatively high percentage of hydrogen.
In an oxy-hydrogen blow torch, hydrogen burns with pure oxygen, producing a flame of about
2800oC.

Liquid hydrogen, along with liquid oxygen (LOX) is used in rockets.

In meteorological balloons

Hydrogen being the lightest gas, was earlier used in meteorological balloons and dirigibles (a
balloon airship used during world war I). But since it is highly combustible, it was replaced by
helium gas even though helium is nearly four times denser than hydrogen.

In the manufacture of ammonia

A major part of the hydrogen manufactured, is converted into ammonia, under suitable conditions
of temperature, pressure, catalyst and promoter.

In the manufacture of hydrogenated oils

Commonly known substance such as vegetable ghees is hydrogenated oils. For their manufacture,
they are treated with hydrogen at a temperature of 150-200oC at a pressure of 5 atmospheres in the
presence of finely divided nickel, which acts as catalyst. When the desired consistency is reached,
the oil is filtered while hot, to recover the nickel. On cooling, the oil hardens and gets a ghee-like
appearance, hence the name 'Vegetable ghee'.

Remember:

Vegetable ghee, marketed under various trade names, contains small quantities of nickel, which has
been proved to be a health hazard. An excess of nickel acts as a carcinogen. Lately, chocolates, in
which hydrogenated vegetable oils are used, have been banned in many countries.

As a reducing agent

Hydrogen when passed over heated metallic oxides, reduces them to the metal.

Group 1 (IA) Element - Hydrogen Summary

 Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe.

 Hydrogen is also the lightest element in the universe. It has a vapour density of 1, which is
14.4 times lighter than air.

 Hydrogen is absent in the free state in the earth's atmosphere. But in the combined state it is
found in water, acids, alkalis, carbohydrates, fats, oils, proteins, cellulose etc.

 Hydrogen resembles both the alkali metals of group IA as well as the halogens of group
VIIA. Hence the position of hydrogen in the periodic table is still controversial.

 Hydrogen has 3 isotopes: Protium, Deuterium and Tritium.

 Metals like potassium, calcium and sodium combine with cold water liberating hydrogen.

 Magnesium, zinc, aluminium and iron react with steam liberating hydrogen and forming the
corresponding oxides.

 Electrolysis of water produces two volumes of hydrogen and one volume of oxygen.

 Metals like K, Na and Ca react explosively with acids to give hydrogen.

 Metals like Zn, Fe, Mg, Al etc displace hydrogen from acids forming the corresponding
salts.

 Granulated zinc is used with hydrochloric acid in the laboratory preparation of hydrogen.

 Metals like zinc, lead and aluminium react with alkalis to yield salt and hydrogen.

 Pure hydrogen burns quietly in air or oxygen with a pale blue flame to form water.

 Hydrogen mixed with air burns with a pop sound.

 Hydrogen reacts with chlorine in the presence of sunlight to form hydrogen chloride.

 When hydrogen is passed through boiling sulphur it forms hydrogen sulphide gas, which has
the smell of rotten eggs.

 Hydrogen combines with nitrogen in the presence of Fe as catalyst, and Mo as promoter, at

450oC and 200-1000 atmospheres to produce ammonia.

 Hydrogen acts as a reducing agent. It reduces metallic oxides to metals and itself gets
oxidised to water.

 Hydrogen is used as a rocket fuel. It is used in the manufacture of ammonia by Haber's

process and in the hydrogenation of vegetable oils to ghee.