CHAPTER - 1

HYDROGEN AND ITS COMPOUNDS

POSITION OF HYDROGEN IN THE PERIODIC TABLE
Hydrogen is the first element in the periodic table. However, a proper position could not be assigned to it
either in the Mendeleev’s periodic table or Long form of the periodic table because of the following
reasons:
(i) In some properties, it resembles alkali metals. As such, it can be placed in group 1 of the periodic table
along with alkali metals,
(ii) In some other properties, hydrogen resembles halogens. As such, it can be placed in group 17 along with
halogens.
(iii) In some yet another properties, hydrogen differs from both alkali metals and halogens.
Thus, the position of hydrogen in the periodic table is controversial or anomalous.

OCCURRENCE
Hydrogen occurs in nature in the free as well as combined state. The earth’s crust contains nearly 1%
hydrogen by weight. In free state (H2), it occurs only in traces in the atmosphere (1 part in 106 parts by
volume). It is mainly found in the combined state. Important sources are water, acids, alkalies, ammonia
hydrogen sulphide, etc.

PREPARATION
1. By the action of acids on metals: Metals (like Li, Na, Ca, Mg, Al, Zn, Fe, Sn etc). placed above
hydrogen in the electrochemical series, when treated with acids like HCl or dil. H2SO4 evolve hydrogen
gas. Reaction with Li, K, Na, Ba and Ca is violet while reaction with Zn, Fe, Al and Mg is smooth.
Zn + H2SO4  ZnSO4 + H2
Fe + 2HCl 
 FeCl2 + H2
2. By the action of alkalies on amphoteric metals : (Zn, Al, Pb, Sn, As, Sb, etc)

Zn  2NaOH 
 Na 2 ZnO 2  H 2
Sod.zincate

2Al  2 NaOH  2H 2 O 
 2 Na AlO2  3H 2
Sod .alu min ate

Sn  2KOH  H 2 O 
 K 2 SnO 3  2H 2
Pot .s tan nate

3. By the action of water on active metals (metals placed above electrochemical series).
(a) Active metals like Na, K react at room temperature.

[1]
 2Na + 2H2O (cold)  2NaOH + H2
Ca + 2H2O (cold)  Ca(OH)2 + H2
(b) Less active metals like Zn, Mg liberate hydrogen only on heating.
Mg + 2H2O (hot)  Mg(OH)2 + H2
(c) Metals like Fe, Co, Ni, Sn can react only by passing steam.
3Fe (red hot) + 4H2O (steam)  Fe3O4 + 4H2
4. By the action of water on a metal hydride.
LiH + H2O  LiOH + H2
CaH2 + 2H2O  Ca(OH)2 + 2H2
Industrial methods of preparation of hydrogen
1. By the electrolysis of water containing a small amount (15-20%) of an acid or alkali. Hydrogen is
liberated at the cathode (usually iron) while oxygen (a by-product) is liberated at anode (usually nickel
plated iron rod). The anode and cathode are separated by an asbestos diaphragm which serves to
prevent mixing of hydrogen and oxygen evolved.

(a) H 2SO 4 ‡ˆ ˆˆ †ˆ 2H   SO24 ; H 2 O ‡ˆ ˆˆ †ˆ H   OH 

At cathode : 2H+ + 2e–  2H; H + H  H2 
– –
At anode : 4OH  4OH + 4e ; 4OH  2H2O + O2 
It is important to note that sulphate ions are not discharged as their discharge potential is very
much higher than that of OH– ions.

(b) 4KOH ‡ˆ ˆˆ †ˆ 4K+ + 4OH–

At cathode : 4H+ + 4e–  4H; 4H  2H2 
At anode : 4OH–  4OH + 4e– ; 4OH  2H2O + O2 
Note that K+ ions are not discharged at cathode because their discharge potential is
higher than that of H+ ions.
Again note that pure water, being a non-electrolyte and nonconductor of electricity, can’t be
electrolysed as such. Very pure hydrogen may be obtained by the electrolysis of Ba(OH) 2 since its
solution is always free from carbonate.
2. From water gas (Bosch process). Water gas is a mixture of equal volumes of CO and H2. It is
obtained by passing superheated steam over heated coke at temperatures varying from 440 – 600°C.
C  H 2 O 
 CO  H 2
Red hot coke Steam Water gas

Water gas is now mixed with steam and passed over a catalyst (Fe 2O3) with suitable promoter (Cr2O3,
ThO2, etc) kept at 410–550°C, when CO is oxidised to CO2.
Fe O  Cr O
CO  H 2  H 2 O 
2 3 2 3
 CO 2   2H 2
14 2 43 440 550C
Water gas

Carbon dioxide is removed by washing the gaseous mixture with water under a pressure of about 25-
30 atmosphere.
3. Lane’s process : By passing steam over spongy iron at 773 – 1050 K.
3Fe + 4H2O 
 Fe3O4 + 4H2
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
(i) Dihydrogen is a colourless, odourless tasteless gas.
(ii) It is slightly soluble in water since it is non-polar in nature.
(iii) Dihydrogen is the lightest gas known. One litre of the gas at N.T.P. weighs only 0.0982 g.
(iv) It is can liquefied under high pressure and at low temperature. Its boiling point is 20.4 K while the
melting point is 13.96 K. As Dideuterium (D2) is heavier than a dihydrogen (H2), its boiling point (23.67
K) and melting point (20.39K) are higher than dihydrogen.

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
1. Action on litmus : Dihydrogen is neutral in nature and does not cause any change in the colour of
either blue litmus or red litmus.
2. Combustible nature : The gas is highly combustible and burns in air or oxygen with pale blue flame to
form water. But it does not support any combustion.
2H2 + O2   2H2O
3. Low reactivity : Molecular hydrogen is very little reactive chemically. The bond dissociation energy is
quite high and dissociation takes place at about 2000 K.
–1
H  H 2000
K
 H  H; H (dissociation) = 435.0 kJ mol
The low reactivity is due to very small size of the hydrogen atom. The H–H bond is, therefore, quite
strong and dissociates with difficulty. As a result, it takes part in the chemical combination only under
specific conditions.
4. Action with non-metals : Dihydrogen combines with many non-metals under specific conditions.
(a) With oxygen : Dihydrogen and dioxygen (or oxygen) combine either at 970 K or upon passing
electric discharge to form water vapours.
2H 2  O 2 970
 K
 2H 2 O
or electric disch arg e

(b) With halogens : the reactivity of halogens (X2) towards dihydrogen decreases in the order F2 >
Cl2 > Br2 > I2. This is supported by the following reactions.
H 2  F2 Dark
 2HF

H 2  Cl 2 Diffused
  2HCl
Sun light
673K
H2  Br2   2HBr

H 2  I 2 673
 K
 2HI
Pt
(c) With nitrogen : Dihydrogen and dinitrogen (or nitrogen) combine to form ammonia under the
following conditions.
N 2  3H 2 673
K / 200 atm
 2 NH 3
Fe ( Mo )

(d) With sulphur : The two react at about 713 K to form H2S.
H 2  S 713
 K
 H 2S

(e) With carbon : Reaction with carbon forms methane and acetylene at different temperatures.
C  2H 2 1375
 K
 CH 4
Methane
2775 K
2C  H 2   C 2 H 2
Acetylene
 5. Action with metals : Dihydrogen combines with metals like sodium, potassium, calcium etc. upon
heating to form ionic hydrides also called salt - like hydrides.

 2 Na  H 
2 Na  H 2 Heat


 Ca 2  (H  ) 2
Ca  H 2 Heat


6. Action with compounds : Dihydrogen also combines with a variety of compounds under specific
conditions.
(a) With CO : It combines with CO at 573 K and under 200 atm pressure in the presence of catalyst
mixture of ZnO and Cr2O3 to form methyl alcohol.

CO  2H 2 273
K/ 200
atm
 CH 3OH
ZnO .Cr2 O 3 Methyl alcohol

(b) With metal oxides : Dihydrogen reduces the oxides of certain metals upon heating. For example.
CuO + H2 Heat
 Cu + H2O
ZnO + H2 Heat Zn + H2O
(c) With unsaturated hydrocarbons : When vapours of dihydrogen are passed through unsaturated
hydrocarbon with C  C or C = C bond in the presence of Ni, Pt or Pd at 473 K, they are converted
into saturated hydrocarbons also called alkanes.

H  C  C  H  2H 2 473
 K
 H 3C  CH 3
Ethyne ( Ni , Pt or Pd ) Ethane

473K
H 2 C  CH 2  H 2   H3C  CH3
Ethyne (Ni, Pt or Pd) Ethane

The reaction is called catalytic hydrogenation.

7. Hydrogenation of vegetable oils : It is done by passing hydrogen gas through edible oils (groundnut
oil, cotton seed oil etc.) in the presence of Ni at 473 K. As a result, the oils are converted into solid fats
also called vegetable ghees. Actually, oils are unsaturated due to the presence C = C bond. On
hydrogenation the bond changes into C–C bond and as a result, unsaturated oils change into saturated
fats.

Vegetable oil  H 2 Ni

/ 473
 Solid fat

Uses of Dihydrogen
Dihydrogen is used
(i) In the manufacture of ammonia (by Haber’s process) which is used for the production of various
fertilizers like urea, ammonium sulphate, calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) etc.
(ii) In the hydrogenation of vegetable oils to form solids fats, i.e. Vanaspati Ghee.
(iii) In the manufacture of bulk chemicals such as methanol
700 K,200atm
CO(g) + 2H2(g)  CH3OH(l)
Cobalt catalyst

(iv) Liquid hydrogen (mixed with liquid oxygen) is used as a rocket fuel in space research. It is also used in
fuel cells and in bubble chambers for study of high energy particles.
DIFFERENT - FORMS OF HYDROGEN

(i) Atomic hydrogen

Molecular hydrogen undergoes thermal dissociation into atomic hydrogen at high temperatures and low
pressures. However, atomic hydrogen is best produced by passing ordinary hydrogen through an electric arc.
The reaction is endothermic
H2 electric
  arc
 2H , H  104.5 kcal
Molecular ( 200 C ) Atomic
hydrogen hydrogen

and the heat is stored up in the atoms. Atomic hydrogen, thus produced, when strikes a metallic surface, its
atoms recombine to form molecular hydrogen along with the evolution of large amount of heat.
2H 
 H 2  104.5 kcal
The heat so liberated is sufficient to raise very high temperature of the metal to 4000 - 5000°C (principle of
atomic hydrogen torch).
Atomic hydrogen can also be prepared irradiating hydrogen by mercury radiations.
 Hg *
Hg  hv 
Excited atom

H 2  Hg 
 2H  Hg
Properties:
(i) Atomic hydrogen is highly unstable (half-life = 0.3 second) and the atoms combine readily to form
molecular hydrogen liberating a large amount of heat.
(ii) It combines readily with non-metals like S, P, As, Sb, Bi, O2 and halogens forming corresponding hydride,
H2O2 and hydracids respectively. However, it does not combine with nitrogen.
(iii) It combines with metals like Li, Na and Ca at ordinary temperatures and with silver and
mercury at –180°C forming corresponding hydride.
(iv) It is an energetic reducing agent.
(a) It reduces oxides, chlorides and sulphides of certain metals (e.g. Cu, Ag, Hg and Bi) to free metals
at ordinary temperatures.
CuO  2H 
 Cu  H 2 O
AgCl  H 
 Ag  HCl
Cu 2S  2H 
 H 2S  2Cu
It reduces barium sulphate to barium sulphide.
BaSO 4  8H 
 BaS  4H 2 O
However, the more stable oxides like those of Al, Mg, Cr and Zn are not effected.
(b) It reduces CO2 to formic acid and CO to formaldehyde.
CO2 + 2H 
 HCOOH
CO + 2H   HCHO
It reduces phosphorus pentoxide to phosphine
P2 O 5  16 H 
 2PH 3  5H 2 O
It reduces alkali metal salts like nitrates, amides, and cyanides to free metal.
 NaNO3  H 
 Na  HNO 3

NaNH 2  H 
 Na  NH 3

KCN  H 
 K  HCN
However, the sulphates and halides of these metals are not reduced.
(v) It immediately hydrogenates alkenes to alkanes
Uses:
1. It is used as a strong reducing agent.
2. It is used in the fabrication of atomic hydrogen torch.
3. It is used in the hydrogenation of certain unsaturated organic compounds.
4. It is used in the preparation of certain metallic hydrides such as AgH and HgH 2.
(ii) Nascent hydrogen
Hydrogen produced in contact with the substance to be reduced is called nascent (newly born) hydrogen.
It is more active than the ordinary molecular hydrogen. For example, when hydrogen gas is passed through
acidified KMnO4 or FeCl3 solution neither of them is reduced. However when hydrogen is generated in situ
by adding zinc metal to the reaction mixture containing acidified KMnO4 or FeCl3, both the oxidants are
reduced.

Zn  H 2SO 4 
 ZnSO 4  2H

Fe3  H 
 Fe 2   H 
( yellow ) ( light green )

2KMnO4  4H   12H 
 2Mn 2  8H 2 O
(purple) (colourless)

Some of the common source of nascent hydrogens are

(i) a mixture of zinc and dil. H2SO4.
(ii) a mixture of tin and dil. hydrochloric acid.
(iii) metallic sodium and absolute alcohol.
(iv) zinc-copper couple and water or alcohol
(v) electrolysis of acidulated water.
(vi) Aluminium and NaOH
Remember:
(i) Nascent hydrogen can be produced even at room temperature but atomic hydrogen is produced at
elevated temperatures.
(ii) Nascent hydrogen can never be isolated but atomic hydrogen can be isolated.
(iii) Reducing power of atomic hydrogen is much greater than that of nascent hydrogen.

3. ACTIVE HYDROGEN :
It is obtained by subjecting molecular hydrogen to silent electric discharge at ordinary temperature and 0.5
mm pressure. This hydrogen, so produced, has great chemical activity. For example, it combines directly at
ordinary temperatures with lead, sulphur, P, As, etc forming their hydrides. It also reduces copper oxide at
ordinary temperature. The half-life period of the active hydrogen is similar to that of atomic hydrogen (0.3
sec).
4. Ortho and Para hydrogen :
The hydrogen atom consists of a proton around which one electron revolves. Both the proton and the
electron spin about an axis like a top. When two hydrogen atoms combine to form a stable molecule,
the spins of the electrons are always in the opposite directions (Pauli exclusion principle). However,
the spins of the two protons may be either in the same direction or in the opposite directions. When
the spins of the two protons are in the same direction, the molecules is known as ortho hydrogen;
while when the spins of protons are in the opposite directions, hydrogen formed is known as para
hydrogen. These two allotropic forms of hydrogen are similar in chemical properties but differ in
b.p. specific heat and thermal conductivities. Ortho hydrogen is more stable than the para hydrogen
the latter always tends to revert to the ortho form. Para hydrogen mixed with atomic hydrogen gets
converted into the ortho form.

P P P P

Ortho hydrogen (parallel spin) Para hydrogen (opposite spin)

At room temperature, ordinary hydrogen contains about 75% ortho hydrogen and 25% para variety. At a
temperature of about 20 K (very low), it consists mainly of para hydrogen (99%) and very little of ortho
hydrogen (1%). This shows that the para hydrogen is more stable than ortho hydrogen. The two forms differ
in some of the physical properties such as specific heat, thermal conductivity, boiling points etc. However
they have similar chemical properties.

ISOTOPES OF HYDROGEN
Hydrogen exists in the form of three isotopes. These are protium, deuterium and tritium. Their atomic
number is 1 and the mass numbers are 1, 2 and 3 respectively. The characteristics of the isotopes are listed
in table.
Name Symbol Atomic Mass Relative Nature
Number Number abundance
1
Protium 1 H or H
1 1 99.98% Non-radioactive
2
Deuterium 1 H or D
1 2 0.016% Non-radioactive
Tritium 3
1 H or T
1 3 10–15% Radioactive and emits
 -ray particles.

HYDRIDES
The binary compounds of elements with hydrogen are called hydrides. These are of three types :
Molecular Hydrides : These are also called covalent hydrides and are formed by the combination of
hydrogen with the certain elements of p-block generally with high electronegativity. The bonds present in
them are of covalent nature though in compounds such as HF, they may be partially ionic. Molecules are held
by weak vander Waal’s forces. In some cases, hydrogen bonds may be present (e.g. NH3, HF etc)
 A few examples of the covalent hydrides are :
BeH2, B2H6, NH3, PH3, AsH3, SbH3, SnH4, GeH4 etc. The thermal stability of the hydrides in a group
decreases as the electronegativity of the central atom decreases. For example, the thermal stability of the
hydrides of group 15 elements follow the order : NH3 > PH3 > AsH3 > SbH3 > BiH3.
Molecular hydrides are further classified depending upon whether these are electron deficient (B2H6),

H , 
electron rich ( N 
3 PH 3 ) or electron precise (CH4. C2H6) in nature. Diborane has a special three centred
bridged structure which we shall study under p-block elements.
Ionic or Saline Hydrides : These are the hydrides formed between hydrogen and metals of low
electronegativity or electropositive metals of group 1 and group 2 (with the exception of Be and Mg).
Actually, electrons are transferred from the metal atom to the hydrogen atoms resulting in the hydride. For
example, lithium hydride (Li+H–), calcium hydride (Ca2+ H2–), etc. Some hydrides are used to prepare
complex hydrides with other metals. Example, lithium aluminium hydride (LiAlH4) and sodium
borohydride (NaBH4). These complex hydrides are used as reducing agents in inorganic and organic
synthesis.
Metallic or Interstitial Hydrides : Many transition and inner transition metals absorb hydrogen into the
interstices of their lattices to yield metal like hydrides also called interstitial hydrides. The hydrogen is present
in the atomic form in these hydrides. The transition metals of group 3, 4 and 5 form metallic hydrides. In group
6, chromium alone has a tendency to form hydride CrH. Then there is a gap and the metals of groups 7, 8 and
9 do not form hydrides. This is known as hydride gap. The elements of f-block form limited number of
hydrides. The hydrides are generally non-stoichiometric and their composition vary with temperature and
pressure. For example, TiH1.73, CeH2.7, LaH2.8 etc These hydrides have metallic appearance and their properties
are closely related to those of the parent metal. Most of them are strong reducing agents probably due to the
presence of free hydrogen atoms in metal lattice. Metallic hydrides can be used for storing hydrogen. These
can release the same whenever required. This property enables them to act as source of energy for vehicles.

WATER

Hard and Soft Water

A water is said to be a soft water if it produces sufficient lather with the soap and water is said to be hard if
it forms an insoluble scum before it forms a lather with soap. The hardness of natural water is generally
caused by presence of the bicarbonates and sulphate of calcium and magnesium but infact all soluble salts
that form a scum with soap cause hardness.

Ca2+(aq) + 2C17H35COO–(aq) 
 (C17H35COO)2Ca
Mg2+ (aq) + 2C17 H 35 COO  (aq) 
 (C17 H 35 COO) 2 Mg
Anion of soap Inso lub le precipitates

Soap will not produce lather with water until all the calcium and magnesium ions have been precipitated.
Hard water thus wastes soap. Hardness of water is of two types :
(a) Temporary hardness
(b) Permanent hardness
(a) Temporary hardness : This is due to the presence of bicarbonates of calcium and magnesium.
(b) Permanent hardness : Permanent hardness is introduced when water passes over rocks containing
the sulphates or chlorides or both of calcium and magnesium.
The substances used to remove the hardness of water are known as water softeners. The various
water softeners are :
(i) Washing soda : It removes both the temporary and permanent hardness by converting soluble
calcium and magnesium compounds into insoluble carbonates.
CaCl2 + Na2CO3 = CaCO3 + 2NaCl
CaSO4 + Na2CO3 = CaCO3 + Na2SO4

Ca(HSO3)2 + Na2CO3 = CaCO 3 + 2 NaHCO 3

( Inso lub le ) ( So lub le )

In place of sodium carbonate, caustic soda or sodium phosphate can also be used.

MgCl2 + 2NaOH 
 Mg (OH ) 2 + 2NaCl
( Insoluble)

3MgSO4 + 2Na3PO4 
 Mg3 (PO4 ) 2 + 3Na2SO4
(Insoluble)

(ii) Permutit : Permutit is the technical name given to certain hydrated silicates of aluminium and
sodium. It is obtained by fusing sodium carbonate, china clay, silica or quartz. The product is
washed with water to remove soluble portion. The remaining crystalline mass Na2Al2Si2O8. xH2O
is technically called as permutit. The sodium ions of permutit are exchanged with calcium and
magnesium ions when hard water is passed through it.
Na2Al2SiO8. xH2O + Ca2+  CaAl2Si2O8.xH2O + 2Na+
or or
2+
Mg MgAl2Si2O8.xH2O
These ions can be re-exchanged by treating it with brine (NaCl) solution.
CaAl2Si2O8.xH2O + 2NaCl  Na2Al2Si2O8.xH2O + CaCl2
This method is useful for the removal of both temporary and permanent hardness of water.
(iii) Calogen : The complex salt of metaphosphoric acid, sodium hexametaphosphate (NaPO 3)6, is
known as calogen. It is represented as Na2[Na4 (PO3)6]. Calcium and magnesium salts present in
hard water react with calogen to give complex salts.
2CaSO4 + Na2[Na4(PO3)6]  Na2[Ca2(PO3)6] + 2Na2SO4
2MgSO4 + Na2[Na4(PO3)6]  Na2[Mg2(PO3)6] + 2Na2SO4
This method is especially used softening water for boiler use.
(iv) Ion exchange resins : Ion exchange resins are the most popular water softners these days.
These resins are synthetic substances. The cation exchanger consists of granular insoluble organic
acid resin having giant molecules with –SO3H or –COOH groups while the anion exchanger
contains giant organic molecules with basic groups derived from amines. Ion exchange resins
remove all soluble minerals from water. The hard water is first passed through a bed of cation
exchanger, which removes the cations like Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+ and others by exchanging with H+
ions.

2RH  Ca 2 
(R ) 2 Ca  2H 
Re sin
 The water coming from cation exchanger is acidic on account of free H+ ions. This water is then
passed through another bed containing anion exchanger. This exchanger removes anions like Cl –,
–
SO 24  , NO3 by exchanging with OH ions.
R  NH 3OH  Cl  
 R  NH 3Cl  OH 
Re sin

The OH ions neutralise the H+ ions.

–

H+ + OH– = H2O
This process gives distilled water and can be used in laboratories.
The cation exchanger is regenerated by the action of an acid and the anion exchanger is regenerated
by using an alkali solution.

Degree of Hardness
The degree of hardness is defined as the number of parts of calcium carbonate or equivalent to various
calcium and magnesium salts present in a million parts of water by mass. It is expressed as ppm.

Heavy Water (D2O)

The oxide of protium is the ordinary water (H2O) while that of deuterium (D2O) is known as heavy water. It
was prepared for the first time by Urey (1932) as a result of repeated electrolysis of ordinary water. As a
result of electrolysis. H2 is discharged at cathode in preference to D2. This is because of the reason that
H+ ions have greater mobility than D+ ions and are discharged in preference to D+ ions. Moreover, hydrogen
atoms combine more rapidly to form molecule of hydrogen as compared to deuterium atoms to form molecule
of D2.
H+ + e–  H; H + H  H2

PROPERTIES OF HEAVY WATER

Physical Properties
The physical constants of heavy water (D2O) are generally slightly higher than ordinary water (H2O). This is
quite expected also because the molecular mass of heavy water is more than that of ordinary water. These
are compared in the table
Constant Ordinary water Heavy water
(H2O) (D2O)
Molecular mass 18.015 20.028
–3
Maximum density (g cm ) 1.000 1.106
Melting point (K) 273.2 276.8
Boiling point (K) 373.2 374.4
Heat of fusion (kJ mol–1) at 273 K 6.01 6.28
–1
Heat of vaporisation (kJ mol ) at 373 K 40.66 41.61
–1
Heat of formation (kJ mol ) –285.9 –294.6
Ionisation constant 1.008 × 10–14 1.95 × 10–15
Chemical Properties
Chemical properties of heavy water are similar to those of ordinary water. However, it reacts at a lower rate.
This is quite expected also. The important chemical characteristics of heavy water are given as :
1. Electrolysis : Upon electrolysis, Di-deuterium (D2) is evolved at cathode and oxygen (O2) at the
anode.
2D2O Electrolys
 is
 2D 2  O 2
Dideuterium

2. Action with metals : Heavy water, like ordinary water reacts with some alkali and alkaline earth
metals to evolve D2. But the gas (D2) does not catch fire. For example,
2Na + 2D2O 
 2 NaOD  D 2
Sod . deuteroxid e

Ca + 2D2O 
 Ca (OD) 2  D 2
Cal. deuteroxid e

3. Action with metallic oxides : Heavy water reacts with the oxides of metals slowly to form their
respective deuteroxides. For example,
K 2O + D 2O 
 2KOD
Pot.deuteroxide

MgO + D2O 
 Mg(OD)2
Mag.deuteroxide

4. Action with non-metal oxides : Some oxides of non-metals also combine with heavy water to form
their respective deuteroacids. For example,
P2 O 5  3D 2 O 
 2D 3 PO 4
Deuteropho sphoric acid

SO 3  D 2 O 
 D 2SO 4
Deuterosulphuric acid

5. Action with metallic carbides, phosphides, nitrides, arsenides :-

Heavy water reacts with metallic carbides, nitrides, phosphides, arsenides to form corresponding deutero
compounds.
Al 4 C 3 + 12D2O 
 4Al(OD)3 + CD 4
Al. carbide Deutero methane

CaC2 + 2D2O 
 Ca(OD)2 + DC  CD
Ca .carbide Deuteroacetylene

Mg 3 N 2 + 6D2O 
 3 Mg(OD)2 + 2ND3
Mag . nitride Deuteroammonia

Ca 3 P2 + 6D2O 
 3Ca(OD)2 + 2PD3
Cal. phosphide Deutero phosphine

6. Exchange reactions : Upon reacting with heavy water, certain compounds exchange their active
hydrogen atoms either partially or completely with deuterium (D) atoms. These reactions are known as
exchange reactions. For example,

HCl  D 2 O ‡ˆ ˆˆ †ˆ DCl + HOD

NaOH + D2O ‡ˆ ˆˆ †ˆ NaOD + HOD

NH4Cl + D2O ‡ˆ ˆˆ †ˆ NH3DCl + HOD
 NH3DCl + D2O ‡ˆ ˆˆ †ˆ NH2D2Cl + HOD

NH2D2Cl + D2O ‡ˆ ˆˆ †ˆ NHD3Cl + HOD

NHD3Cl + D2O ‡ˆ ˆˆ †ˆ ND4Cl + HOD
7. Formation of deuterates : We know that certain salts take up molecules of water and exists as
hydrated salts. For example, CuSO4.5H2O ; MgSO4 . 7H2O ; Na2SO4 . 10H2O etc. Heavy water is
present in the same way in the salts and these are called deuterates. For example.
CuSO4.5D2O ; MgSO4.7D2O ; Na2SO4 . 10D2O etc

USES OF HEAVY WATER

1. Heavy water is used in nuclear reactors to slow down the speed of neutrons and is called moderator.
Thus, it helps in controlling nuclear reactions carried by neutrons.
2. Heavy water is employed to study the mechanisms of certain reactions. This is known as tracer
technique.
3. Heavy water is a source of heavy hydrogen (D2) which is obtained by its electrolysis.
Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2)
Hydrogen peroxide was discovered by Thenard, a French chemist in 1818.
Methods of Preparation of hydrogen Peroxide :
1. Laboratory Preparation : In the laboratory, hydrogen peroxide is prepared by any of the following
methods.
(a) From sodium peroxide (Merck’s Process) : A dilute solution of sulphuric acid (20%) is taken
in a container surrounded by ice. Sodium peroxide is now added to it slowly in small amounts with
constant stirring. The solution upon further cooling gives crystals of Na 2SO4.10H2O which can be
removed by filtration. The solution is about 30% aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide.
Na2O2 + H2SO4   Na2SO4 + H2O2
(b) From barium peroxide : In this case, a paste of hydrated barium peroxide (BaO2. 8H2O) is
prepared in ice cold water and is treated with about 20% ice cold solution of sulphuric acid. White
precipitate of BaSO4 is formed which is removed by filtration and the solution left is about 5%
H2O2. Anhydrous barium peroxide cannot be used in this method because barium sulphate slowly
forms a protective coating around it and prevents it from taking part further in the chemical reaction.
BaO2.8H2O + H2SO4 
 BaSO 4 + H2O2 + 8H2O
( White ppt )

The precipitate of BaSO4 formed above is slightly soluble in water. The Ba2+ ions present in the
solution slowly cause the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. Therefore solution cannot be stored
for a long time. To remove this problem, phosphoric acid is used in place of sulphuric acid. Barium
phosphate formed gets completely precipitated and in the absence of Ba 2+ ions, there is no danger
of any decomposition of hydrogen peroxide.
3BaO2. 8H2O + 2H3PO4 
 Ba 3 (PO 4 ) 2 + 24H2O + 3H2O2
ppt.

Hydrogen peroxide can also be obtained by passing a current of CO2 through a cold paste of
barium peroxide in water. The white precipitate of barium carbonate (formed) is filtered off and
the solution is nearly 15 to 20% aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide.
BaO2 + CO2 + H2O 
 BaCO3  H 2 O 2
(ppt.)
2. Industrial Preparation : Hydrogen peroxide is a very useful bleaching agent and is a constituent of
hair dyes. On commercial scale, it can be prepared by the following methods.
(a) By the electrolysis of sulphuric acid solution : A 50% solution of sulphuric acid is electrolysed
in a cell. As a result, per disulphuric acid is formed at the anode and hydrogen is evolved at cathode.
 +
H2SO4 
 HSO 4 + H
At anode : 2HSO4– 
 H 2S2 O 8  2e 
Per disulphuri c acid

At cathode : 2H+ + 2e–   H2

Per disulphuric acid is taken out from the cell and is then hydrolysed with water to give hydrogen
peroxide as follows :
H2S2O8 + 2H2O   2H2SO4 + H2O2
In order to recover hydrogen peroxide, the solution is distilled under reduced pressure. Hydrogen
peroxide distils while sulphuric acid with high boiling point remains undistilled.
The yield of hydrogen peroxide can be improved if a mixture of ammonium sulphate and sulphuric
acid taken in equivalent amounts is electrolysed.
(NH4)2SO4 + H2SO4 
 2 NH 4 HSO 4
Amm . hydrogen sulphate

NH4HSO4  
 NH 4SO 4  H 
( Anode ) ( Cathode )

At anode : 2NH4SO4– 
 ( NH 4 ) 2 S2 O 8  2e


Amm .per sulphate

At cathode : 2H+ + 2e– 

 H2
Ammonium per sulphate formed at anode is withdrawn and is distilled with water to give hydrogen
peroxide.
(NH4)2S2O8 + 2H2O 
 2 NH 4 HSO 4  H 2O 2
Amm. hydrogen
sulphate

(b) From 2-ethyl anthraquinone : The compound is dissolved in benzene and hydrogen gas is passed
through the solution in the presence of palladium catalyst when it is reduced 2-ethyl anthraquinol.
O OH
C2H 5 C2H 5
Pd.
+ H2

O
OH
2-Ethyl anthraquinone 2-Ethyl anthraquinol
The product formed is dissolved in a mixture of benzene and cyclohexanol and air is passed. It is
oxidised back to 2-ethyl anthraquinone and hydrogen peroxide.
OH O
C2H 5 C2 H 5
+ O2
+ H2 O 2
OH O
2-Ethyl anthraquinol 2-Ethyl anthraquinone
 It is an example of alternate reduction and oxidation and is called auto-oxidation.
Thus, in this process only oxygen and hydrogen combine in the presence of 2-ethyl anthraquinone
to form hydrogen peroxide. This method is quite cheap and is commonly used for the industrial
preparation of hydrogen peroxide.
(c) By oxidation of isopropyl alcohol : Isopropyl alcohol is mixed with a small amount of hydrogen
peroxide which acts as initiator. Oxygen is passed through the solution at about 340 K and little
pressure. As a result, isopropyl alcohol reacts to form acetone and hydrogen peroxide.

CH 3CHOHCH 3  O 2 (
Oxidation )
  CH 3COCH 3  H 2 O 2
Isopropyl alcohol Acetone

Acetone and ureacted isopropyl alcohol distil over leaving behind aqueous solution of hydrogen
peroxide.
Strength of H2O2 solution : Strength of the sample of hydrogen peroxide is generally expressed
in terms of the volume of oxygen at NTP that one volume of hydrogen peroxide gives on
heating. The commercial samples are marked as ‘10 volume’, ‘15 volume’ or ‘20 volume’. ‘10
volume’ means that one volume of hydrogen peroxide gives 10 volume of oxygen at NTP. 10 mL of
a ‘20 volume’ solution of H2O2 will liberate 10 × 20 = 200 mL of oxygen at NTP.
Sometimes the concentration of H2O2 in a solution is expressed as percentage of H2O2 in solution,
i.e. g/100 mL. Thus, 30% hydrogen peroxide means that 30 g of H2O2 is present in 100 mL of
solution. ‘10 volume’ solution of H2O2 is 3.035% solution, i.e. 3.035 g of H2O2 present in 100 mL of
the solution. This calculation can be made in the following manner.

2H 2O 2 
 2H 2O  O 2
2(2  32) 22400 mL
 68 g at NTP

Normality of 10 volume solution = 1.785 N

68
Strength (i.e gram / litre) of H2O2 =  V.S.
22.4
Strength
N
Eq.Mass
Volume strength = 5.6 × Normality
Volume strength = 11.2 × Molarity

PROPERTIES OF H2O2

(a) Physical Properties

(i) Pure anhydrous hydrogen peroxide is a syrupy liquid. It is colourless but gives a bluish tinge in thick
layers. It is odourless.
(ii) Its specific gravity is 1.45 at 0°C.
(iii) It is soluble in water, alcohol and ether.
(iv) It has bitter taste. It is injurious to skin (blisters are formed).
(v) It boils at 152°C and freezes at –0.89°C. It begins to decompose at boiling point, however, it can be
distilled under reduced pressure.
(vi) It is an associated liquid due to hydrogen bonding.
(b) Chemical Properties
1. Decomposition. Pure hydrogen peroxide is unstable and decomposes on standing or on heating.
 2H2O + O2; H = – 196 kJ
H2O2 + H2O2 
Note that this constitutes an example of auto-oxidation, one molecule of H2O2 (O.N. of O = –1) is
oxidised to O2 (O.N. = 0) while the other is reduced to H2O (O.N. = – 2).
The decomposition of H2O2 is catalysed by Pt, Ag, Co, Fe, Cu, MnO2 etc. On the other hand, decomposition
of H2O2 is retarded (i.e. stability is increased) by adding a small amount of acid, glycerol, alcohol or
acetanilide (negative catalysts).
2. Oxidising and Reducing properties : Hydrogen peroxide can accept as well as can donate electrons
and thus it can act as an oxidising and reducing agent respectively. This is quite in accordance with the
fact that substances having elements in the intermediate oxidation states are capable of either gaining or
losing electrons and thus act both as oxidising and reducing agents. The oxidation number of oxygen in
H2O2 is –1, an intermediate value between –2 and 0. Thus, H2O2 can act as oxidising as well as
reducing agent.
[A] Oxidising Properties : It is a strong oxidising agent under acidic and alkaline conditions. Oxidation
in acidic medium is generally slow while rapid in alkaline solution.
H2O2 + 2H+ + 2e– 
 2H2O (In acidic medium)
or H2O2 + 2e– = 2OH– (In alkaline medium)
In following reactions, H2O2 acts as an oxidising agent.
Important compounds oxidised by H2O2 in acidic medium are

(i) PbS  4H 2 O 2 
 PbSO 4  4H 2 O
Lead sulphide Lead sulphate

(ii) (a) 2KI + H2O2 

 2KOH + I2
(b) 2KI + H2SO4 + H2O2 
 K2SO4 + 2H2O + I2

(iii) H3 AsO3  H 2 O2 
 H3 AsO 4  H 2 O
Arsenious acid Arsenic acid

(iv) H 2SO 3  H 2O 2 
 H 2SO 4  H 2 O
Sulphurous acid Sulphuric acid

(v) H2S + H2O2 

 2H2O + S
(vi) KNO2 + H2O2 
 KNO3 + H2O
(vii) 2FeSO4 + H2SO4 + H2O2 
 Fe2(SO4)3 + 2H2O

(viii) 2K 4 [Fe(CN ) 6 ]  H 2 O 2 
 2K 3 [Fe(CN ) 6 ]  2KOH
Pot .ferrocyanide Pot . ferricyani de

(ix) K2Cr2O7 + H2SO4 + 4H2O2 

 K 2SO 4  2CrO5  5H 2 O
Chromium Peroxide
(blue)

Chromium peroxide (perchromic acid) rapidly decomposes as below.

4CrO5 + 6H2SO4 
 2Cr2(SO4)3 + 6H2O + 7O2
 In alkaline solution. The basic reaction is
H2O2 + 2OH– + 2e– 
 2H2O + 2O2–
2HCHO  H 2 O 2 Pyrogallol
  2HCOOH  H 2 (In alkaline medium)
Formaldehyde Formic acid

The reaction proceeds with emission of light (chemiluminescence)

[B] Reducing properties : It acts as a reducing agent towards strong oxidising agents in acidic as
well as alkaline medium. Reducing action in acidic solution is somewhat slow than in alkaline
solution.
In acidic solution :
+ –
2H2O2   O2 + 2H + 2e
Examples :
(i) 2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4 + 5H2O2  K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 8H2O + 5O2
(ii) K2Cr2O7 + 4H2SO4 + 3H2O2  K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + 7H2O + 3O2
(iii) MnO2 + H2SO4 + H2O2  MnSO4 + 2H2O + O2
(iv) H2O2  2H+ + O2 + 2e–

Ag2O + 2H+ + 2e– 

 2Ag + H2O
-------------------------------------------------
Ag2O + H2O2 
 2Ag + H2O + O2
(v) O3 + H2O2 
 H2O + 2O2
(vi) Cl2 + H2O2 
 2HCl + O2

(vii) PbO2 + H2O2 

 PbO + H2O + O2
In alkaline solution :
H2O2 + 2OH– 
 2H2O + O2 + 2e
–

Examples :
(i) 2K3Fe(CN)6 + 2KOH + H2O2 
 2K4[Fe(CN)6] + 2H2O + O2
(ii) Fe2(SO4)3 + 2KOH + H2O2 
 2FeSO4 + K2SO4 + 2H2O + O2
3. Acidic property (Formation of peroxides) : Anhydrous hydrogen peroxide is acidic and hence
reacts with bases to form salts. Further, it ionizes in water to a slight extent in the two steps.

H 2 O 2 ‡ˆ ˆˆ †ˆ H   HO2 (Hydroperoxide ion)

HO2 ‡ˆ ˆˆ †ˆ H   O 22 (Peroxide ion)

Hence it forms two series of salts such as NaHO2 (sodium hydroperoxide) and Na2O2 (sodium peroxide),
peroxides are more important.
Na 2 CO 3  H 2 O 2 
 Na 2 O 2  H 2 O  CO 2
( base ) ( acid )

Ba(OH) 2  H 2 O 2 
 BaO2  2H 2 O
(base) (acid)
4. Bleaching action : Hydrogen peroxidre acts as a mild bleaching agent. Its bleaching action is due to
the oxidation reaction.
H2O2 
 H2O + [O]
Coloured of substance [O] 
 Colourless substance
5. Addition reactions : Hydrogen peroxide is capable of adding itself to ethylenic linkage.
CH 2 CH 2 OH
||  H 2O 2 
 |
CH 2 CH 2 OH
Ethylene Ethylene glycol

Uses : Hydrogen peroxide is used.

(i) For bleaching delicate articles like wool, hair, feathers, ivoary, etc.
(ii) For restoring colour of old lead paintings whose white lead has blackened due to formation of PbS by
H2S of atmosphere. Hydrogen peroxide converts (oxidises) black lead sulphide to white lead sulphate.
(iii) As an oxidising agent in the laboratory.
(iv) As an antiseptic and germicide for washing wounds, teeth and ears, under the name of perhydrol.
(v) As a propellant for torpedose. This is due to exothermic decomposition.
2H2O2   2H2O + O2; H = –196.5 kJ
If the evolved heat is retained and used for vaporizing the water and then expand steam and oxygen.
The gases occupy 5000 times the volume of liquid H2O2. Decomposition of H2O2 is catalysed by MnO2
and the stream of gas can be made to drive a gas turbine engine.
If a fuel like alcohol is injected into the stream of gas, it vaporizes and burns and thus more heat is
evolved which in turn increases the volume of gas to such extent that it can propel a rocket.
(vi) as an oxidant for rocket fuel.
(vii) in the detection of Ti, V and Cr ions with which it forms peroxides of characteristic colours.

bGbGbGbGb
 [18] Chemistry–XI–Unit-III

EXERCISES
LEVEL – I HYDROGEN AND ITS COMPOUNDS
Choose the appropriate answer:
1. Which isotope of hydrogen is/are radioactive in 8. Acidified KMnO4 is decolorised by
nature? (1) Oxygen (2) Hydrogen
(1) Protium and deuterium (3) Nitric oxide (4) Nascent hydrogen
(2) Tritium only 9. The structure of H2O2 is
(3) Tritium and deuterium H
H H O–O
(4) Only deuterium (1) (2)
O–O H
2. The process of adsorption of hydrogen on H
palladium is known as (3) H–O–O–H (4) O – O
(1) Syneresis (2) Occlusion H
10. Ordinary hydrogen is a mixture of:
(3) Diffusion (4) Erosion
(1) 75% ortho-H2 + 25% para-H2
3. In which property listed below hydrogen does not
resemble with alkali metals? (2) 25% ortho-H2 + 75% para-H2
(3) 50% ortho-H2 + 50% para-H2
(1) Tendency to form cation
(4) 1% ortho-H2 + 99% para-H2
(2) Nature of oxide
11. Which of the following substance does not
(3) Combination with halogens produce ammonia on reaction with water?
(4) Reducing character (1) CaCN2 (2) AlN
4. Heavy water possesses: (3) Ca(CN)2 (4) Mg3N2
(1) Insoluble impurities like silica 12. Zeolite which shows ion-exchanging ability:
(2) Impurities like carbonates and bicarbonates (1) Is an ion-exchange resin
of calcium and magnesium (2) Is a close-packed assembly of silicon and
(3) High density and different physical properties oxygen atoms
than those of water (3) Is a sodium alumino silicate
(4) The capacity to expedite the rate of nuclear (4) Can provide H+ ions in place of Na+ ions
reactions 13. The hair dyes available in the market genrally
5. Hydrogen molecules are contain two bottles one containing the dye and
(1) Monoatomic and form X22– type ions other hydrogen peroxide. Before applying the dye,
(2) Diatomic and form X2– type ions the two solutions are two solutions are mixed. The
hydrogen peroxide:
(3) Diatomic and form X– as well as X+ type ions
(1) Is added to dilute the solution of the dye
(4) Monoatomic and form X– type ions.
(2) Oxidises the dye to give the desired colour
6. Both temporary and permanent hardness are
(3) Reduces the dye to give the desired colour
removed on boiling water with:
(4) Acidifies the solution of the dye
(1) Ca(OH)2 (2) Na2CO3
14. H2O2 restores the colour of old lead paintings,
(3) CaCO3 (4) CaO blackened by the action of H2S gas, by:
7. Which metal can produce dihydrogen gas by (1) Converting PbO2 to Pb
reaction with dil. H2SO4? (2) By oxidising PbS to PbSO4
(1) Ag (2) Cu (3) Converting PbCO3 to Pb
(3) Fe (4) Pt (4) Oxidising PbSO3 to PbSO4
Hydrogen and Its Compounds — MCQs [19]

15. The volume strength of 1.5 N H2O2 solution is: (1) Hydrolith and water
(1) 4.8 (2) 8.4 (2) Sodium and heavy water
(3) 3.0 (4) 8.0 (3) Hg and Boiling water
16. H2O2 is prepared in the laboratory when: (4) Iron and conc. sulphuric acid
(1) MnO2 is added to dilute cold H2SO4 21. At absolute zero:
(2) BaO2 is added to CO2 bubbling through cold (1) Only para hydrogen exists
water (2) Only ortho hydrogen exists
(3) PbO2 is added to an acidified solution of (3) Both para and ortho hydrogen exist
KMnO4
(4) None of these
(4) Na2O2 is added to boiling water
22. Which type of elements form ionic hydrides?
17. The formula of sodium zeolite which is also known
(1) Transition elements
as permutit is
(2) Metalloids
(1) Na2O,Al2O3.Si2O4.xH2O
(3) Elements with high electronegativity
(2) Na2Al2S2O8.xH2O
(4) Elements with high electropositivity
(3) Na2O.AlO3.SiO4.xH2O
23. An aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide is :
(4) K2Al2SiO8.xH2O
(1) Alkaline (2) Neutral
18. The catalyst used in Bosch process of
(3) Strongly acidic (4) Weakly acidic
manufacture of H2 is
24. Hydrogen gas is not obtained when zinc reacts
(1) Finely divided Ni (2) V2O5
with
(3) Pd (4) Fe2O3+Cr2O3
(1) Cold water
19. Zeolites are extensively used in
(2) dil. H2SO4
(1) Softening of water and catalyst
(3) dil. HCl
(2) Preparing heavy water
(4) hot 20% NaOH solution
(3) Increasing the hardness of water 25. The volume of 10 ml H2O2 required to liberate
(4) Mond’s process 500 cm3 of O2 at STP is
20. Which of the following pair of substances can (1) 50 ml (2) 5.0 ml
react to produce H2 gas (3) 15 ml (4) 100 ml

bGbGbGb
 [20] Chemistry–XI–Unit-III

LEVEL – II HYDROGEN AND ITS COMPOUNDS

Choose the appropriate answer:
1. According to systematic nomenclature which 8. Which type of hydrides are non-stoichiometric
hydrogen compound is silane? hydrides?
(1) HF (2) SiH4 (1) Hydrides of group 7, 8, 9
(3) SF4 (4) H2S (2) Hydrides of group 3, 4, 5
2. In the Lane’s process for the manufacture of (3) Hydrides of group 14, 15
hydrogen. The reagents used in the oxidation and
(4) Hydrides of group 1, 2
reduction periods are respectively.
9. Among the hydrides given below which are
(1) Fe/H2O(g) and water gas
reasonably good acids?
(2) Fe3O4 and H2
(1) NH 3 (2) HF
(3) O2 and H2
(3) HN 3 (4) NaH
(4) Fe/H2O(g) and Fe3O4.
10. Acidified solution of K2Cr2O7 on treatment with
3. The conversion of atomic hydrogen into ordinary
H2O2 yields K2SO4 alongwith
hydrogen is :
(1) CrO3 + H2O (2) Cr2(SO4)3 + CrH3
(1) Exothermic change
(3) Cr2(SO4)3 + H2O + O2 (4) CrH3 + H2O + O2
(2) Endothermic change
11. When hard water is passed through ion exchange
(3) Nuclear change
resin with formula R – NH3+ OH– it becomes free
(4) Photochemical change from
4. H2O2 is stored in : (1) Ca2+ ions
(1) Iron container after addition of stabilizer (2) All metallic cations
(2) Glass container after addition of stabilizer (3) Undesirable anions
(3) Plastic container after addition of stabilizer
(4) All type of ions
(4) None
12. The exhausted permutit is generally regenerated
5. For binary hydrides of formula MXn, the value of by percolating through it, is solution of :
n can be fractional for
(1) Sodium chloride (2) Calcium chloride
(1) Salt like hydrides (2) Interstitial hydrides
(3) Magnesium chloride (4) Potassium
(3) Covalent hydrides (4) Polymeric hydrides
13. In the hydrogen peroxide molecule :
6. Which reaction shows oxidising natue of H2O2:
(1) Two hydrogen atoms are connected to one of
(1) H2O2 + 2KI   2KOH + I2 the oxygen
(2) All the four atoms are in the same plane
(2) Cl2 + H2O2 
 2HCl + O2
(3) The four atoms are arranged in a non-linear
(3) H2O2 + Ag2O  2Ag + H2O + O2 and non-planar manner
(4) O–H bonds are polar but molecule non-polar
(4) NaClO + H2O2   NaCl + H2O + O2 14. Among O2–, O22– and O2– ions which will react
7. Which combination cannot be used for the with water to liberate OH– ions along with O2 gas?
preparation of hydrogen gas in the laboratory? (1) O2– and O22– (2) O22– and O2–
I. Zn/conc.H2SO4 II. Zn/dil.HNO3 (3) O2– and O2– (4) All the three
III. pure Zn/dil. H2SO4 15. Manufacture of H2 is made by
(1) I and II (2) I, II, III (1) Lane’s process (2) Bosch process
(3) III only (4) I and III (3) From natural gas (4) All of these
Hydrogen and Its Compounds — MCQs [21]

16. Acidified potassium permanganate is dropped over 20. When zeolite (hydrated sodium aluminium silicate)
sodium peroxide taken in a round bottom flask at is treated with hard water the sodium ions are
room temperature, vigorous reaction take place exchanged with :
to produce (1) H+ ions (2) Ca2+ ions
(1) Hydrogen peroxide
(3) SO 24  ions (4) OH– ions
(2) Mixture of hydrogen and oxygen
(3) A colourless gas hydrogen 21. Which of the following will not give H2O2 on
hydrolysis:
(4) A colourless gas dioxygen
(1) HClO4 (2) H2S2O8
17. In permutit process, the exhausted resin is
generally regenerated by percolating through it the (3) H2SO5
solution of (4) HNO4 (pernitric acid)
(1) Sodium chloride 22. Which hydride is also called alanate?
(2) Calcium chloride (1) Li+ [AlH4]– (2) Na+ [BH4]–
(3) Magnesium chloride (3) CaH2 (4) AlH3
(4) Equimolar mixture of CaCl2 and MgCl2 23. The oxidation of which of the following organic
18. Deuterium resembles hydrogen in chemical compound by air produces hydrogen peroxide?
properties but reacts : (1) 2-Ethylanthracene (2) 2-Ethylanthraquinol
(1) Slower than hydrogen (3) 2-Ethylanthraquinone (4)  -Naphthol
(2) Faster than hydrogen 24. In the laboratory perparation of hydrogen, pure
(3) More vigorously than hydrogen zinc is not used because
(4) Just as hydrogen (1) Pure zinc becomes passive due to the
19. Calogen (a water softener) is : formation of oxide layer.
(1) Na2[Na4(PO3)6] (2) Pure zinc becomes passive due to the
formation of sulphate layer over the metal
(2) Na4[Na2(PO3)]6
(3) Pure zinc reacts slowly with the acid
(3) Na2[Na4(PO4)]6
(4) Pure zinc reacts with acid vigorously and
(4) Na4[Na2(PO4)6]
violently

bGbGbGb
 [22]Equilibrium — MCQs
Ionic [22]
Chemistry–XI–Unit-III

SELF ASSESSMENT
Choose the appropriate answer:
1. Water can be tested by 10. A metal which does not liberate H2(g) from acids
(1) Smell (1) Cu (2) Fe
(2) Taste (3) Mn (4) Zn
(3) Hydrated CuSO4 11. The component present in greater proportion in
(4) Anhydrous COCl3 (blue) which changes to water gas is
pink.
(1) CH4 (2) CO2
2. A hydride of nitrogen which is acidic is
(3) CO (4) H2
(1) NH 3 (2) N2H4
12. Consider the following statements :
(3) N2H2 (4) N3 H
I. Atomic hydrogen is obtained by passing
3. Heavy water is used in nuclear reactors as
hydrogen through an electric arc
(1) Source of  -particles
II. Hydrogen gas will not reduce heated
(2) Slowing down the speed of high energy aluminium oxide.
neutrons
III. Finely divided palladium absorbs large volume
(3) Transporting heat of the reactor
of hydrogen gas.
(4) Heating purposes
IV. Pure nascent hydrogen is best obtained by
4. When sulphur trioxide is heated with heavy water reacting Na with C2H5OH
the products are
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(1) Deutero-sulphuric acid
(1) I Alone (2) II Alone
(2) Deuterium sulphuric acid
(3) Deuterium and sulphuric acid (3) I, II and III (4) II, III and IV
(4) None of the above 13. Match List I with List II and select the correct
answer using the codes given below the lists :
5. Boiling point of heavy water is
List I List II
(1) 100°C (2) 99°C
(3) 101.4°C (4) 110°C a. Heavy water (i) Bicarbonates of Mg
6. D2O will have maximum density at and Ca in water
(1) 9°C (2) 11.5°C b. Temporary hard (ii) No foreign ions in
(3) 15.9°C (4) 20°C water water
7. Hydrogen at room temperature contains c. Soft water (iii) D2 O
(1) 25% Ortho + 75% para d. Permanent hard (iv) Sulphates and
(2) 25% Para + 75% ortho water chlorides of Mg and
(3) 50% Ortho + 50% para Ca in water
(4) 66% Ortho + 34% para (1) a(iii), b(iv), c(ii), d(i) (2) a(ii), b(i), c(iii), d(iv)
8. The correct order of the O–O bond length in O2, (3) a(ii), b(iii), c(iv), d(i) (4) a(iii), b(i), c(ii), d(iv)
H2O2 and O3 is 14. Pure water can be obtained from sea water by
(1) O2 > O3 > H2O2 (2) O3 > H2O > O2 (1) Centrifugation (2) Plasmolysis
(3) H2O2 > O3 > O2 (4) O2 > H2O > O3 (3) Reverse osmosis (4) Sedimentation
9. 2 g of aluminium is treated separately with excess
15. Which one of the following substances has the
of dilute H2SO4 and excess of NaOH. The ratio
highest proton affinity.
of the volumes of hydrogen evolved is
(1) H2S (2) NH 3
(1) 2 : 3 (2) 1 : 1
(3) 2 : 1 (4) 1 : 2 (3) PH 3 (4) H2 O
Hydrogen and Its Compounds — MCQs [23]

16. Tritium contains _________ neutron/neutrons : 26. Under what conditions of temperature and
(1) 4 (2) 3 pressure the formation of atomic hydrogen from
(3) 2 (4) 1 molecular hydrogen will be favoured most ?
(1) High temperature and high pressure
17. Heavy water is qualified as heavy because it is :
(2) Low temperature and low pressure
(1) a heavy liquid
(3) High temperature and low pressure
(2) an oxide of a heavier isotope of oxygen
(4) Low temperature and high pressure
(3) an oxide of deuterium
27. When zeolite, which is hydrated sodium aluminium
(4) denser than water silicate, is treated with hard water the sodium ions
18. Calgon is an industrial name given to : are exchanged with
(1) Normal sodium phosphate (1) H+ ions (2) Ca++ ions
(2) Sodium meta-aluminate (3) SO4– – ions (4) OH– ions
(3) Sodium hexametaphosphate 28. Given colourless liquid will be determined whether
(4) Hydrated sodium aluminium silicate its water or not?
19. The oxide that gives H2O2 on treatment with a (1) By smelling
dilute acid is (2) By tasting
(1) PbO2 (2) MnO2 (3) By phenolphthalein
(3) Na2O2 (4) TiO2 (4) By adding a pinch of anhydrous CuSO4
20. Hydrogen gas will not reduce 29. Which of the following statement is incorrect?
(1) Heated cupric oxide (1) H2O2 can act as an oxidising agent
(2) Heated ferric oxide (2) H2O2 can act as a reducing agent
(3) Heated stannic oxide (3) H2O2 has acidic properties
(4) Heated aluminium oxide (4) H2O2 has basic properties
21. The sum number of neutrons and protons in one 30. Heavy water freezes at
of the isotopes of hydrogen is (1) 0°C (2) 3.8°C
(1) 3 (2) 4 (3) 38°C (4) –3.8°C
(3) 5 (4) 6 31. Hydrolysis of one mole of peroxydisulphuric acid
22. The volume of ‘10 vol’ of H2O2 required to liberate produces
500 mL O2 at N.T.P. is (1) Two moles of sulphuric acid
(1) 50 mL (2) 25 mL (2) Two moles of peroxymonosulphuric acid
(3) 100 mL (4) 125 mL (3) One mole of sulphuric acid and one mole of
peroxy monosulphuric acid
23. Hydrogen peroxide was for the first time prepared
by (4) One mole of sulphuric acid, one mole of peroxy
monosulphuric acid and one mole of hydrogen
(1) Priestley (2) Thenard
peroxide.
(3) Gay-Lussac (4) Bernard 32. Which of the following is used as rocket fuel?
24. The species that do not contain peroxide ions are: (1) Liquid O2 (2) Liquid N2
(1) PbO2 (2) H2O2 (3) Liquid NH3 (4) Liquid H2
(3) SrO2 (4) BaO2 33. Number of H-bonds formed by a water molecule
25. The ‘volume strength’ of 1.5 N H2O2 solution is is:
(1) 4.8 (2) 8.4 (1) 2 (2) 8
(3) 3.0 (4) 8.0 (3) 1 (4) 4

bGbGbGb
Ionic Equilibrium — MCQs [24]

ANSWERS (HYDROGEN AND ITS COMPOUNDS)

LEVEL - I
1. (2) 6. (2) 11. (3) 16. (2) 21. (1)

2. (2) 7. (3) 12. (3) 17. (1) 22. (4)

3. (2) 8. (4) 13. (2) 18. (4) 23. (4)

4. (3) 9. (2) 14. (2) 19. (1) 24. (1)

5. (3) 10. (1) 15. (2) 20. (1) 25. (1)

LEVEL - II
1. (2) 6. (1) 11. (3) 16. (4) 21. (1)

2. (1) 7. (2) 12. (1) 17. (1) 22. (1)

3. (1) 8. (2) 13. (3) 18. (1) 23. (2)

4. (3) 9. (3) 14. (2) 19. (1) 24. (3)

5. (2) 10. (3) 15. (4) 20. (2)

QUESTIONS FROM COMPETITIVE EXAMS.

1. (4) 8. (3) 15. (2) 22. (1) 28. (4)

2. (4) 9. (2) 16. (3) 23. (2) 29. (4)

3. (2) 10. (1) 17. (3) 24. (1) 30. (2)

4. (1) 11. (4) 18. (3) 25. (2) 31. (3)

5. (3) 12. (3) 19. (3) 26. (3) 32. (4)

6. (2) 13. (4) 20. (4) 27. (2) 33. (4)

7. (2) 14. (3) 21. (1)