Hydrogen

Element Hydrogen Concept Ladder

The name hydrogen comes

Electronic Configuration 1s1
from Greek words “Hydro
(meaning water) and genes
(Meaning creator). It was
Atomic Number 1
named by French Chemist
Antoine Lavoisier because
Electronegativity 2.1 when it burns it creates
water.
Position of hydrogen in the periodic table :
Position for hydrogen is not fixed in the periodic
table due to following reasons :
(1) Hydrogen resembles group 1 elements. Previous Year’s Question
(Alkali metals).
(2) Hydrogen resembles group 17 elements.
The ionization of hydrogen atom
(Halogens).
would give rise to  [AIPMT]
(3) Hydrogen exhibits other properties which
(1) Hydride ion
different from both alkali metals and
(2) Hydronium ion
halogens.
(3) Proton
(4) Hydroxyl ion
Types of hydrogen :
(1) Atomic Hydrogen :
Electric spark
H — H 
200°C
→ 2H (Atomic hydrogen)

, DH = + 104.5 Kcal. Concept Ladder

y When hydrogen gas is passed through
Process of dissociation and
an electric arc between two tungsten
recombination of hydrogen
filaments, hydrogen s dissociated into
is utilized in oxy-hydrogen
atoms.
torch.
y Used for welding purpose.
Electric arch
(2) Nascent Hydrogen : When hydrogen H2  → 2H
(Atomic
is passed through acidified potassium hydrogen)

permanganate solution or FeCl3 solution H + H → H2 + energy

neither of them is reduced however when
Zn pieces are added both gets reduced.
Zn + H2SO4 (dil.) → ZnSO4 + 2[H]
Nascent
Hydrogen

hydrogen

1.
 KMnO4 + H2SO4 + H2 → No reaction

Concept Ladder

Similarities of hydrogen with alkali metals : Š About 10% of the weight

(i) Electronic configuration : Alkali metals of living organism is
and hydrogen has only one electron hydrogen mainly in water,
in their outer shell. proteins and fats.
(ii) Electropositive character : Like the alkali Š H2 is believed to be
metals hydrogen has a tendency to lose one of three elements
its electron to form unipositive ion. produced in the Big Bang.
The others are He and Li.

(iii) Oxidation state : Hydrogen, like alkali

metals have +1 oxidation state.
(iv) Affinity for non-metals : H2 as well as alkali
metals (Na, K, Rb etc.) have a strong affinity
towards non-metals.
Non-Metal Hydrogen Alkali Metal Compounds

Chlorides HCl NaCl KCl

Oxides H2O Na2O K2O

Sulphides H2S Na2S K2S

(v) Valency : Alkali metals as well as hydrogen Rack your Brain

show electrovalency of +1.
(vi) Reducing nature : Hydrogen-like alkali Why hydrogen is not termed as
metals, acts as reducing agent. s-block element despite it is
placed in I­st group?
Hydrogen

2.
Difference of hydrogen with alkali metals :
(i) Non-metallic character : Hydrogen is a
non–metal while alkali metal are metalic.
Concept Ladder
(ii) Nature of oxide : Nature of oxide of hydrogen
is neutral while oxides of alkali metals Hydrogen shows dual
are basic in nature. nature. It behaves as
(iii) Atomicity : Hydrogen is diatomic in electropositive element
nature (H2) while alkali metals are like alkali metals as it
monoatomic. can lose the planetary
(iv) Nature of compounds : Nature of compounds electron. It also behaves as
of hydrogen with halogens (HCl, HBr, HF, HI) an electronegative element
are low boiling covalent compound while like halogens as it can
halides of alkali metals are low melting gain one more electron to
ionic solids (LiF, NaCl, KBr, etc.) saturate 1s subshell.
(v) Ionisation energy : Ionisation energy
of hydrogen is very high in comparison
to alkali metals.

Element Hydrogen Lithium Sodium Potassium

IE (kJ mol–1) 1312 520 495 418

Similarities of hydrogen with halogens :

(i) Electronic configuration : Electronic
configuration of hydrogen resembles the
halogens in having one electron less than
the next inert gas in its atom.
(ii) Diatomic nature : Like-hydrogen halogens Previous Year’s Question
are also diatomic. (H2, F2, Cl2, Br2)
(iii) Non-metallic character : Hydrogen as well One would expect proton to have
as halogens are non-metallic. very large  [AIPMT]
(iv) Electro-negative nature : Hydrogen as (1) Charge
well as halogens can gain an-electron to (2) Ionization potential
form negative ion. (3) Hydrotion energy
H + e– –––→ H– ; Cl + e– –––→ Cl– (4) Radius
(v) Oxidation state : Hydrogen like halogens
show –1 oxidation state.
Hydrogen

3.
 Compound NaH NaCl NaBr NaI

Oxidation No. –1 –1 –1 –1

(vi) Ionisation potential :

Element H F Cl Br I

Ionization potential (eV) 13.5 17.4 13.0 11.82 10.43

(vii) Nature of compounds :

Differences with halogens : Concept Ladder

(i) Nature of oxide :
Š Every hydrogen atom in
our body is likely 13.5
billion years old because
they were created at the
birth of the universe.
(ii) Absence of lone pair of electrons :
Š Hydrogen is about 14
times lighter than air.

(iii) Less electro-negative : Hydrogen is less

electro-negative than halogens.
Hydrogen

4.
Note :

Protium Deuterium Tritium

Ordinary H Heavy H Radioactive H

Representation 1
1
H 2
1
D 3
1
T

Neutrons 0 1 2

Occurrence 99.98% 0.16% 10–15 %

Concept Ladder
Isotopic Effect :
y In Isotopic effect minimum changes occurs The bond energy of H–H
in chemical properties like state of chemical bond is least and hence it
reaction etc. and maximum changes occurs is most reactive among the
in physical properties like boiling point, isotopes of hydrogen.
bond energy, melting point while Bond energy H2 < D2 < T2
Hydrogen

5.
 y The Isotopic effect is found only in hydrogen
isotopes (1H1, 1D2, 1D3). Because there is large
Definitions
difference in mass.
isotopes can be defined as the
variants of chemical elements
that possess the same number
of proton and electrons, but a
different number of neutrons.
Ex. 1H (Protium), 21 D (Deuterium),
1

1 T (Tritium)
3

While in other isotopes like 7N14, 7N15; only a

fractional mass is increased and similarly in
case of carbon (6C14, 6C13, 6C12) But in case of
hydrogen mass increased by 2 to 3 times in
their isotopes.

Q.1 Isotopic effect is found in :

(1) H (2) N (3) C (4) All

A.1 (1)
Protium, Deutorium and Tritium are the Isotopes of hydrogen.

Q.2 Which of the following reaction is fast and why?

(i) CH4 + Cl2 → CH3Cl + HCl
(ii) CD4 + Cl2 → CD3Cl + DCl

A.2 (i) because C-H bond energy is less in comparison to C-D bond energy.

Q.3 Nascent hydrogen consists of :

(1) Hydrogen ions in excited state
(2) Hydrogen ions with excess energy
(3) Solvated protons
(4) Hydrogen atoms with excess energy

A.3 (4)
Hydrogen atom ‘H’ is termed nascent hydrogen when it has excess of energy.
Hydrogen

6.
Ortho and Para Hydrogen :
y Hydrogen molecule contains two hydrogen Definitions
atoms, each atom has one proton in the
nucleus with an electron. Like electron, Ortho hydrogen molecules
proton is also spinning about its axis. are those in which the spins
y If two protons in the hydrogen of both the nuclei are in the
molecule have spins in the same same direction. Molecules of
direction then the form is termed as ortho hydrogen in which the spins
hydrogen and if the protons spins are in of both the nuclei are in the
opposite direction, the form is known as opposite direction are called
para hydrogen. Para hydrogen

Q.4 Ortho- and para-hydrogen differ in :

(1) Atomic number
(2) Mass number
(3) Electron spin in two atoms
(4) Nuclear spin in two atoms

A.4 (4)
Factual statement
Hydrogen

7.
 Method of preparation of hydrogen :
Lab method :

(1) Zn + H2SO4 → ZnSO4 + H2­

(2) Mg + 2HCl → MgCl2 + H2­
(3) Zn + 2NaOH → Na2ZnO2 + H2­
(Sodium zincate)
(4) 2Al + 2NaOH + 2H2O → 2NaAlO2 + 3H2­
(Sodium metaaluminate)
Concept Ladder
Industrial preparation:
(1) Lane’s process : In Lane’s process steam is Pure zinc is not used as
passed over hot iron, also known as gassing it is non-porous in nature
reaction. so impure granulated zinc
1027K − 1073K
3Fe + 4 H2O  → Fe3O4 + 4 H2 is used which becomes

(Steam) porous. Concentrated
sulphuric acid cannot be
y Iron is generated by reducing magnetic
used as it gives SO2 and
oxide with water gas (CO + H2). This reaction
not hydrogen.
is called vivifaction.
Zn + conc. H2SO4 → ZnSO4
+ SO2 + 2H2O
Hydrogen

8.
 Q.5 What is false about Lane’s process ?
(1) Method is used for manufacture of dihydrogen
(2) It involves the oxidation of iron by steam
(3) It involves the reduction of H2O(g) by iron
(4) It involves the oxidation of water gas

A.5 (4) Factual statement

(2) Bosch process:
Concept Ladder

Š Hydrogen is the only atom

for which Schrodinger
explain has an exact
y Water shift reaction : Water gas is mixed solution
with steel and passed over catalytic mixture Š Hydrogen reacts
of Fe2O3 and Cr2O3 at 450°C. explosively with elements
oxygen, chlorine and
fluorine: O2, Cl2, F2.

Hydrogen

9.
 Coal gasification :
Previous Year’s Question

Water gas is produced by

 [AIPMT]
Electrolysis of NaCl : (1) 
passing steam through a red
hot coke
(2) Saturating hydrogen with
moisture
(3) Mixing oxygen and hydrogen
From hydrocarbons : in the ratio of 1 : 2
(4) Heating a mixture of CO2 and
CH4 in petroleum refineries.

y Syn gas is also known as synthetic gas.

Properties of hydrogen :
Physical properties : Hydrogen gas is colourless,
odourless and tasteless.

S.No. Property

1 Solubility Soluble in water

2 Density 313 kcal mol–1

3 Ionisation potential 17.3 kcal mol–1

4 Electronegativity 2.1

5 Bond energy, (H–H) 436 kJ mol–1

6 Bond length, (H–H) 74 Pm

Hydrogen

10.
Hydrides :
Types of hydrides : Concept Ladder
(A) Ionic or saline or salt like hydrides.
(B) Covalent or molecular hydrides. During the preparation
(C) Metallic or interstitial hydrides. of hydrides, the metal
(A) Ionic hydrides : Ex : LiH, NaH, KH, RbH, CaH2, should be hydrogenated in
BaH2 etc. the presence of a surface
y Formed by s-block elements. (Highly active agent in kerosene
electropositive) except Be and Mg. or some form of agitation
y Ionic hydrides have high melting and boiling should be used to prevent
point. the decomposition of
y Stability of hydrides : LiH > NaH > KH > RbH surface film of hydride on
> CsH Similarly the metal which leads to
incomplete conversion
CaH2 > SrH2 > BaH2
y Ionic hydrides are non-volatile and non-
conducting in solid states but conduct
electricity in molten state.
Rack your Brain

Out of methane, germane and

During electrolysis ionic hydrides liberated plumbane which hydride has low
hydrogen gas. thermal stability?

Hydrogen

11.
 Q.6 When electric current is passed through an ionic hydride in molten state :
(1) Hydrogen is liberated at anode
(2) Hydrogen is liberated at cathode
(3) Hydride ion migrates towards cathode
(4) Hydride ion remains in solution

A.6 (1)
At anode : 2HQ → H2­+ 2eQ Concept Ladder

Š BeH2, MgH2, LiH have

covalent nature and
Uses :
covalent polymeric
y Used as reducing agents.
structure.
y As a solid fuel.
Š Thermal stability of such
hydrides decreases down
Covalent hydrides :
the group.
Formed by p-block elements (Except noble gases)
Š CaH2 is known as
Ex : NH3, H2O, H2O2, HF etc.
hydrolith.

Electron deficient covalent hydrides :

y Elements of group 13th form electron
deficient covalent hydrides.
y They acts as Lewis acids i.e. electron
acceptors. Previous Year’s Question
y Generally exist in polymeric form. Ex : B2H6,
B4H10, (AlH3)n etc.
The number of hydrogen bonded
water molecule(s) associated
Electron precise covalent hydrides :
with CuSO4. 5H2O is  [NEET]
y Formed by group 14th elements.
(1)  3 (2) 1
y All these hydrides are tetrahedral.
(3) 2 (4)  5
Ex : CH4, SiCl4 etc.
Hydrogen

12.
Electron rich covalent hydrides :
y Group 15th, 16th, 17th form electron rich Concept Ladder
covalent hydrides.
y Presence of 1, 2 and 3 lone pair of electrons Hydrides of group 13
with highly electronegative element-like O, like AlH3, B2H6 being
N and F. electrophiles behave like
y These hydrides form hydrogen bonding. lewis acids.
Ex : NH3, H2O etc.
Ex-(1)

Ex-(2) Rack your Brain

Why boron hydrides are used

as high energy fuels and
propellants?

Properties :
y These hydrides are held together by weak
van der Waal’s forces and in some cases
by hydrogen bonding.
y These hydrides are volatile in nature having
low electrical conductivity.
y The thermal stability of 15th group hydrides Concept Ladder
are NH3 > PH3 > AsH3 > SbH3 > BiH3.
Uses : Hydrogen is also used as
y Boron hydrides are used as energy fuel and a rocket fuel where liquid
hydrogen is combined with
propellants.
liquid oxygen to produce
y Phosphine (PH3) is used for Holme’s singal. a powerful explosion.
y HF is used for etching of glass. Hydrogen can be used as
a clean fuel alternative to
y Act as Lewis base.
gasoline.
y Acidic character increases from left to right.
Hydrogen

13.
 y Hydrides of group 13th are electron deficient.
Concept Ladder

d & f block elements have

variable valencies but
y Elements of group 14th, 15th and 16th form formation of VH2, VH3, CrH2
polynuclear halides. are not possible.
Ex : C2H6, C3H8, C4H10 for carbon
Si2H6, Si3H8, Si4H10 for silicon
N2H4, N3H, C4H10 for nitrogen
H2O2, H2O3 for oxygen
Rack your Brain
Metallic Interstitial Halides :
y The hydrogen atoms occupy the interstitial
Which compound on reaction
spaces of transition elements.
with water evolves H2 gas and
y Metallic hydrides show electric conductivity.
gives alkaline solution?
They are non–nonstoichiometric in nature.
Ex : LaH3, TiH2, ZrH2, HfY2, VH, VH2
Hydrogen

14.
Properties :
y Black powdery, metallic lustre and magnetic
property. Concept Ladder
y They are good conductors of electricity
Conductivity decreases with increase in Š Group-7, 8, 9 do not form
temperature. hydrides (Group 6 to 9 is
y Density of hydrides is lower than those referred to the hydride
of metals from which are formed since gap). Also in 6th group
crystal lattice expands due to absorption of only Cr from hydride.
hydrogen.
y High thermal conductivity.
y These generally undergo reversible
decomposition into H2 gas and metal.

Q.7 Which is not correct statement :

(1) s-block elements, except Be and Mg, form ionic hydride
(2) Interstitial hydride are non-stoichiometric in nature
(3) p-block elements form covalent hydride
(4) d, f-block elements form ionic hydride

A.7 (4)
Hydrogen atoms occupy the interstitial spaces of d & f-block elements and
they form interstitial hydrides.

Q.8 Which of the following easily reacts with water producing hydrogen ?
(1) PH3 (2) B2H6 (3) CH4 (4) H2S

A.8 (2)
B2H6 + 6H2O → 2B(OH)3 + 6H2­
Water :
y Water is a universal solvent, exists as a solid Previous Year’s Question
below 0°C temperature and as a gas above
100°C temperature. Which of the following is electron-
y Pure form of H2O is bad conductor of deficient?  [NEET]
electricity due to very low degree of (1) (BH3)2 (2) PH3
ionization. (3) (CH3)2  (4) (SiH3)2
Hydrogen

y Maximum density of water is 4°C.

15.
 Definitions

Ice has definite 3D structure

formed by H-bonds. It is lighter
then H2O.

Concept Ladder

(i) H2O is colourless,

odourless, tasteless
  
liquid.
(ii) H2O has M.P. of 273K
and B.P. of 373K.

Rack your Brain

Why water extinguishes most

fires, but it does not extinguish
petrol fires?
Hydrogen

16.
Q.9 Explain, why the density of ice is less than water ?

A.9 Maximum density of H2O is at 4°C. Ice floats on water because of density is
less than that of water which in turn is due to the empty space in its crystal
structure. Crystal structure of ice is regular hexagon with empty space at the
centre. The crystal structure of ice is partly broken at 4°C.

Q.10 What is deionized water ?

A.10 Water free from all types of cations and anions is called deionized water.

Preparation :

Properties : Pure water is colourless, tasteless, odourless.

S.No. Property Value

1 Freezing point 0°C

2 Boiling point 100°C

3 Density 1.0g cm–3 at 4°C

4 Polarity Polar

5 Bond angle 104.5°

6 Geometry Tetrahedral
Hydrogen

17.
 7 Shape Bent or V-shape

8 Enthalpy of vaporization 40.06 kJ/mol.

9 Enthalpy of formation –285.9 kJ/mol.

Chemical Properties : Rack your Brain

y pH = 7, in pure water [H+] = [OH-] = 10–7 at
25°C. Why Ag, Au, Hg and Pt metals do
not decompose H2O?
Reaction with metals :
2Na + 2H2O  → 2NaOH + H2
Ca + 2H2O  → Ca(OH)2 + H2
Zn + H2O 
→ ZnO + H2
HotRed
Steam

3Fe + 4H2O 

→ Fe3O4 + 4H2
Red Hot Steam

Reaction with non-metals : Concept Ladder

B.P, M.P and Enthalpy of

vaporisation is maximum
among chalcogen hydrides
Action with non-metallic oxide : due to association by
H-bond.

Action with metallic oxide :

Rack your Brain

Action on metal hydrides :
Why density of D2O is greater
than H2O?
Hydrogen

18.
 Q.11 What happens when hydrolith is treated with water.

Q.11 Hydrolith, i.e. CaH2 on hydrolysis gives calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)2 with the evo-
lution of dihydrogen gas, H2.

CaH2 + 2H2O → Ca(OH)2 + H2­

Hydrolysis :
Concept Ladder

NO2 and N2O4 are mixed

anhydrides becasue they
Halides of non-metals are decomposed by water: form two different acids
with water.

Decomposition :
Previous Year’s Question

At its melting point, ice is lighter

Water of crystallization : CuSO4.5H2O, than water because  [1992]
MgSO4.7H2O, FeSO4.7H2O (1) H2O molecules are more
closely packed in solid state.
Tests of water : (2) ice crystals have hollow
hexagonal arrangement of
H2O molecules
(3) On melting of ice the H2O
molecules shrinks in size
(4) ice forms mostly heavy water
on first melting

Structure of H2O : Hydrogen

19.
 Hard and soft water :
y A water is soft if it produces sufficient Concept Ladder
lather with soap and water is described
as being hard. It forms insoluble scum Hard water can not
before a lather with soap. form leather with soap
y The hardness of natural water is (C17H35COONa). It forms
generally caused by presence of (C17H35COO)2Ca in ppt
bicarbonates and sulphates of calcium and form after reacting with
magnesium but all soluble salts form a Ca2+when react with Ca+2.
scum with soap cause hardness.

y Hardness of water is of two types.

(A) Temporary hardness
(B) Permanent hardness
Rack your Brain
(A) Temporary Hardness :
y Due to presence of Ca(HCO3)2 and Mg(HCO3)2.
How temporary hardness of
y Rain water dissolves small quantities
water can be removed?
of CO2 from atmosphere forming a very
dilute solution of carbonic acid.

y Temporary hardness is easily removed by

boiling. Previous Year’s Question

Which method used to remove

temporary hardness of water is
 [NEET]
(1) Synthetic resins method
y Temporary hardness is also removed (2) Calgon’s method
by Clark’s process which involves the (3) Clark’s method
addition of slaked lime [Ca(OH)2]. (4) Ion-exchange method
Hydrogen

20.
y Only calculated amount of Ca(OH)2
used because excess of Ca(OH)2 cause
artificial hardness.

Q.12 Soft water lathers with soap, but not hard water. Why ?

A.12 Hard water contains Ca and Mg salts. These react with soap to form insoluble
Ca and Mg salts of fatty acids. i.e. form scum and not lather.

2RCOONa + Ca2+ → (RCOO)2 Ca + 2Na+

2RCOONa + Mg2+ → (RCOO)2 Mg + 2Na+

Permanent Hardness :
y Permanent hardness due to presence of
sulphates or chloride or both of calcium Concept Ladder
and magnesium.
y The various method to remove permanent Permanent hardness is
hardness are : not removed by boiling or
(a) Washing soda method addition of slaked lime the
(b) Permutit method substances used to
(c) Calgon method remove the hardness of
(d) Ion exchange resins method water are known as water
softners.
(a) Washing soda (Na2CO3.10H2O) :
It removes both temporary and permanent
hardness.

Previous Year’s Question

Which of the following groups

Caustic soda/Sodium phosphate can also of ions makes the water hard?
be used to this purpose.  [AIPMT]
(1) Sodium and bicarbonate ions
(2) Magnesium and chloride ions
(3) Potassium and sulphate ions
(4) Ammonium and chloride ions
Hydrogen

21.
 (b) Permutit :
y Permutit is the hydrated silicates of Concept Ladder
aluminium and sodium (Al2Na2Si2O8.xH2O)
obtained by fusing sodium carbonate, china Permutit method is also
clay, silica or quartz. The crystalline sodium termed as zeolite method.
aluminosilicates (sodium zeolite) formed It is regenerated by
exchange sodium ions with calcium and treating NaCl.
magnesium ions.

y These ions can be re-exchanged by treating

it with brine (NaCl) solution.

Note : Rack your Brain

This method is useful for removal of both
temporary and permanent hardness. Name the compounds used with
Na+ zeolite bed?
Hydrogen

22.
 Q.13 The exhausted permutit is generally regenerated by percolating through it a
solution of
(1) Sodium chloride (2) Calcium chloride
(3) Magnesium chloride (4) Barium chloride

A.13 (1)
Factual statement

Q.14 When zeolite, which is hydrated sodium aluminium silicate is treated with hard
water, the sodium ions (NaÅ) are exchanged with :
(1) HÅ ions (2) Ca2+ ions
(3) SO2-4 ions (4) OH– ions

Q.14 (2)
Factual statement
(c) Calgon method : Concept Ladder
y complex salt of sodium hexametaphosphate
(NaPO3)6 and metaphosphoric acid is called Calgon method is specially
as Calgon. It is represented as Na2[Na4(PO3)2] used in softening of water
calcium and magnesium salts present in for boiler use.
hard water with Calgon to give complex
salts.

Q.15 Calgon is an industrial name given to :

(1) Normal sodium phosphate (2) Sodium meta-aluminate
(3) Sodium hexametaphosphate (4) Hydrated sodium aluminium silicate

Q.15 (3)
Factual statement
Hydrogen

23.
 (d) By ion exchange resins :
y Resins are synthetic substances the cation
Concept Ladder
exchange consists of granular insoluble
organic acid resin having gaint molecules
Hard water : Water that
with sulphonic group or carboxylic groups
contain high amount of
while the anion exchange contains giant
dissolved minerals or
organic molecules with basic groups derived
ions such as calcium,
from amines.
magnesium etc.
y Ion exchange resins remove all soluble
Soft water: Soft water
minerals from water. The hard water is
is surface water that
first passed through a bed of cation
contains very low
exchanger which removes the cations like
concentration of ions r
Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+ and other by exchange with
minerals, e.g., Rainwater
H+ ions.
and distilled water.

y H2O coming from cation exchanger is acidic

in presence of free hydrogen ions. This H2O
is then passed through another bed
containing anion exchanger this exchanger
Previous Year’s Question
removes anions like Cl– , SO2–
4
, SO2–
4
, NO–3

by exchange with OH– ions. Some statements about heavy

water are given below.  [AIPMT]
(i) Heavy water is used as
a moderator in nuclear
reactors.
y The OH– ions neutralise the free H+ ion (ii) Heavy water is more
produced by the cation exchanger. associated than ordinary
water.
(iii) Heavy water is more effective
solvent than ordinary water.
y This process gives distilled H2O can be used
Which of the above statement
in laboratories. are correct?
y Cation exchanger is regenerated by (1) (i) and (ii)
action of an acid and anion exchanger (2) (i), (ii) and (iii)
(3) (ii) and (iii)
by pouring a solution of a suitable sodium
(4) (i) and (iii)
through it.
Hydrogen

24.
Disadvantages of hard water :
(1) Not fit for domestic use because it spoils
lustre of utensils.
(2) Not fit for industrial use because it contain
Ca2+/Mg2+ ions in H2O.
(3) Not fit for boiler use because it causes Rack your Brain
rusting.
(4) Corrosion Explain the process of rusting by
MgCl2 + H2O → Mg(OH)Cl + HCl attack of HCl?
HCl attacks metal surface of boiler and
thereby shortens its life by rusting.
(5) Not fit for washing the clothes because it
forms scum.

Degree of hardness :
Hydrogen

25.
 Q.16 A sample of hard water contains 1 mg CaCl2 and 1 mg MgCl2 per litre. Calculate
the hardness of water in terms of CaCO3 present in per 106 parts of water.
(1) 2.5 ppm (2) 1.95 ppm (3) 2.15 ppm (4) 195 ppm

Q.16 (2)
Molecular weight of CaCl2 = 111.0 g
Molecular weight of CaCO3 = 100 g
Molecular weight of MgCl2 = 95.0 g
CaCl2 + Na2CO3 → CaCO3 + 2NaCl
MgCl2 + Na2CO3 → MgCO3 + 2NaCl
(i) 111.0 g CaCl2 = 100 g CaCO3
100

1 mg CaCl2 = mg CaCO3 = 0.9 mg CaCO3 ]
111

(ii) 95.0 g MgCl2 = 100 g CaCO3

100

1 mg MgCl2 = mg CaCO3 = 1.05 mg CaCO3
95
(0.9 + 1.05) × 10−3 g × 106 mL

Hardness of CaCO3 ppm =
103 mL
= 1.95 ppm

Q.17 Find the degree of hardness of a sample of water containing 12 mg of MgSO4

(Molecular Mass 12) per kg of water.

Q.17 12 mg of MgSO4 is present in 103 g of water.

Thus, 106 g of water contains = 12000 mg of MgSO4
120 g MgSO4 º 100 g of CaCO3
100 12000
So, 12000 mg of MgSO4 = × 10 g CaCO3
=
120 1000

Hardness of water = 10 ppm.

Rack your Brain

Hydrogen peroxide H2O2 :
H2O2 traces occurs in air, rain, snow some
In some tooth pastes hydrogen
natural water and juices of certain plants.
peroxide is used. What is role of
H2O2 in it?
Hydrogen

26.
Structure of H2O2 :

Preparation :

y The use of H2SO4 has a disadvantage as it

catalyses the decomposition of H2O2.
y In place of sulphuric acid weak acids like Concept Ladder
H3PO4, H2CO3 acids are preferred.
H2O2 is unstable liquid
and decomposes easily
into H2O and O2. A small
amount of phosphoric
Merck’s Process : acid, acetanilide or glycerol
is added to check its
decomposition (negative
catalyst)
H2O2 can be obtained by passing a current of CO2
through a cold pasty solution of barium peroxide
in H2O.
Hydrogen

27.
 By oxidation of 2-Butylanthraquinol

By oxidation of isopropyl alcohol :

Electrolytic Process :
y In this process, the electrolysis of 50%
H2SO4 is carried out at low temperature
using platinum electrodes and a current
of high density. Peroxy disulphuric acid is
Concept Ladder
formed.

Peroxide and Superoxide

form H2O2 with H2O, dil.HCl
or dil. H2SO4.

Properties of H2O2 :
y Pure H2O2 syrupy liquid, colourless,
odourless, specific gravity 1.45 at 0°C.
y Soluble in H2O, ether and alcohol, bitter
taste, injurious to skin, boils at 152°C,
freezes at –0.89°C, begain to decompose
on boiling, shows hydrogen bonding, having Rack your Brain
dipole movement (m) = 2.1 D
Which compound is formed when
Chemical properties : H2O2 is react with dil. H2SO4?
1. Decomposition :
y Pure hydrogen peroxide is an unstable liquid
Hydrogen

28.
 and decomposes into water and oxygen on
long standing or heating.
Previous Year’s Question

Which of the following is the true

structure of H2O2?  [AIPMT]
It is an example of auto-oxidation and auto-
reduction. (1) H — O — O— H
y The decomposition is further accelerated H
|
by the presence of certain metal ions e.g. (2) O — O
Fe2+, metal powders (Co, Au, Ag, Pt etc.), |
H
and metal oxides (e.g. MnO2). Even carbon,
rough surfaces and light also catalyse its
decomposition.
(3)
2. Acidic Nature :
y Pure hydrogen peroxide turns blue litmus
red but its dilute solution is neutral to (4)
litmus.
y Its dissociation constant is 1.55 × 10–12 at
293 K which is only slightly higher than that
of water (1.0 × 10–12).
y Thus, hydrogen peroxide is only a slightly
stronger acid than water.

Concept Ladder

3. Oxidising and reducing character : H2O2 shows bleaching by

y H2O2 behaves as an oxidising as well as a oxidation process, this
reducing agent in both acidic and alkaline process is parmanent.
solutions. H2O2  → H2O + O
(a) Oxidising character : Hydrogen peroxide The product O is termed as
acts as an oxidising agent both in acidic as nascent ‘O’ which makes it
well as in alkaline medium. colourless.
In acidic medium: H2O2 + 2H+ + 2e– → 2H2O
In Basic Medium: H2O2  2 e   2 OH
Hydrogen

29.
 (i) It oxidises acidified ferrous sulphate to
ferric sulphate :

(ii) It oxidises acidified potassium ferrocyanide

to potassium ferricyanide :

(iii) It liberates iodine form acidified potassium

iodide solution :
Concept Ladder

(iv) Hydrogen peroxide oxidses ice-cold H2O2 acts as a O.A and

acidified potassium dichromate solution R.A. in acidic and basic
(containing ether) to chromium pentoxide medium.
which dissolves in ether producing a blue
colouration.

(v) Hydrogen peroxide oxidises lead sulphide to

lead sulphate :

(vi) Hydrogen peroxide oxidies H2S to sulphur :

Previous Year’s Question

The strucutre of H2O2 is [AIPMT]

(vii) It oxidies arsenites to arsenates
(1) Spherical
respectively.
(2) Non-planar

(3) Planar
(4) Linear
(viii) It oxidises manganese salts to manganese
dioxide in alkaline medium.

(ix) It oxidises chromium salts to chromates in

alkaline medium.

Hydrogen

30.
(x) It oxidises formaldehyde to formic acid

Previous Year’s Question
(xi) It oxidises benzene to phenol

The O—O—H bond angle in H2O2
is  [AIPMT]
(xii) It oxidises mercury to mercuric oxide in
(1) 106° (2) 109°28’
acidic medium
(3) 120° (4) 97°

(b) Reducing character : In presence of strong

oxidising agents, hydrogen peroxide behaves
as a reducing agent both in acidic as well as
alkaline medium.

Concept Ladder

Acidic medium H2O2 → 2H+ + O2 + 2e– Decomposition of H2O2 is

Alkaline medium H2O2 + 2OH– → 2H2O + O2 example of redox reaction.
+ 2e–
(i) It reduces acidified potassium permanganate
solution. As a result of this reaction, the
pink colour of KMnO4 disappears.

(ii) It reduces acidified potassium dichromate

solution. As a result of this reaction, the
orange colour of K2Cr2O7 changes to green
due to the formation of chromium salt.

(iii) It reduces manganese dioxide to manganese

sulphate in presence of dil. H2SO4.

(iv) It reduces ozone to dioxygen.

Rack your Brain
(v) Chlorine and bromine are reduced to HCl
and HBr respectively. This property is called How H2O2 react with MnO2 in
Antichlor. presence of dil. H2SO4?
Hydrogen

31.


(vi) It reduces alkaline potassium ferricyanide

to potassium ferrocyanide

(vii) It reduces metal oxides to metals, i.e., silver

Concept Ladder
oxide to silver in the alkaline medium.

H2O2 converts colour of old
(viii) It reduces hypohalites to halide.
lead paint from black to
white.

PbS+ 4H2O2 → PbSO4 + 4H2O
Black White

4. Bleaching Action :
y The bleaching action of H2O2 is due to
the nascent oxygen which liberates on
decomposition. Rack your Brain

H2O2 
→ H2O + [O] (nascent oxygen) Explain how nascent O which
is the product of H2O2, makes it
y he nascent oxygen (O) combines with
T colourless?
colouring matter which, in turn, gets
oxidised. It’s used for bleaching of delicate
materials like silk, ivory, wool, feather etc.

Colouring matter + [O] 

→ Colourless
matter Previous Year’s Question

5. Addition Reactions : Hydrogen peroxide molecules are

y Hydrogen peroxide reacts with alkenes to  [AIPMT]
form glycols.
(1) monoatomic and form X22−
ions
(2) diatomic and form X– ions
(3) diatomic and form X2− ions
(4) monoatomic and form X– ions
Hydrogen

32.
Uses of hydrogen peroxide :
(i) It is used as antichlor (to remove Cl2) in
Concept Ladder
textile industry to remove excess of chlorine
after bleaching operations. H2O2 is used for bleaching
(ii) It is used in manufacture of many inorganic delicate materials like
and organic (sodium perborate, epoxides) hair, silk, wool, ivory,
compounds. textile, wood and
(iii) It is used to restore the colour of lead paper pulp.
paintings which have blackened due to the
action of H2S present in the air on lead
paints.
(iv) It is used in the laboratory for detecting
the presence of chromium, titanium and
vanadium salts with which it ‘yields
peroxides of characteristic colours.
(v) It is used as an antiseptic under the name Rack your Brain
perhydrol (30% H2O2) for washing wounds,
teeth and ears.
Explain how H2O2 is used as an
(vi) 93% H2O2 solution is used as an oxidant
antiseptic for woulds?
for rocket fuel and as a propellant for
torpedoes and submarines.

Concentration of Hydrogen Peroxide Solution :

y Hydrogen prepared by any of the above
methods is in the form of dilute aqueous
solution. Quite often for a large number of
reactions, we need a concentrated solution
of H2O2. It cannot be concentrated simply
Previous Year’s Question
by distillation since it decomposes much
below its boiling point to give H2O and O2.
The reaction of H2O2 with H2S is
2H2O2 → 2H2O + O2 an example of ………. Reaction.
y Further, the process of decomposition is  [AIPMT]
catalysed by the presence of heavy metal (1) addition (2) oxidation
ion impurities, dust and rough surfaces. In (3) reduction (4) acidic
view of these difficulties, concentration of
H2O2 is carried out carefully in a number of
stages.
Hydrogen

33.
 Storage of hydrogen peroxide :
The following precautions are taken while storing
hydrogen peroxide solution. Concept Ladder
(i) H2O2 cannot be stored in glass bottles
since rough surface of glass, alkali metal
oxides present in it, and exposure to light Hydrogen peroxide is
catalyse its decomposition. Therefore, H2O2 biochemically formed in
is usually stored in coloured paraffin wax human boides and the
coated or Teflon bottles. bodies of other animals but
(ii) Negative catalyst such as glycerine, it is actually toxic to cells.
acetanilide, phosphoric acid etc. must also
be added to stabilize the H2O2.

Strength of hydrogen peroxide solution :

y Strength or concentration of H2O2 solution
is expressed in the following ways :
(1) In terms of volume of O2 gas : The commercial
samples of H2O2 are marked as ’10 volume’, Rack your Brain
’20 volume’, ’30 volume’, etc.
Write the product formed when
2H2O2 → 2H2O + O2 one mole of H2O is mixed with
H2S2O8?
Meaning of 10 volume of O2.
1 Volume of H2O2 on heating gives 10
volumes of O2. Or 1 ml of H2O2 on heating gives 10
ml of O2. Similarly 10 ml of H2O2 on heating gives
100 ml of O2. Similarly; 10 ml of 20 volume of H2O2
on heating gives 20 × 10 = 200 ml of O2.

(2) In terms of weight :

50% H2O2 solution (w/v) means that 5 g of
H2O2 is present in 100 mL of solution. Concept Ladder

H2O2 is stored in the vessels

of pure aluminium or in
stone jars in dark.
∵ 22400 mL of O2 gas is obtained at NTP
from 68 g of H2O2.
∴ 10 mL of O2 gas is obtained at NTP from
Hydrogen

34.
 Rack your Brain
1 mL of H2O2 contains 0.03035 g of H2O2
100 mL of H2O2 contains 0.3035 × 100 = Calculate the strength of 10
3.035 g of H2O2 volume solution of hydrogen
Hence, concentration of ’10 volume’ of H2O2 peroxide.
solution is 3.035% (w/v) orconcentration or
strength of ’10 volume’ of H2O2 solution is
3.035 × 10 = 30.35 g L–1.

3. In terms of normality : To know the normality,

equivalent weight of H2O2 should be known,
and this can be calculated as follows :

Q 32 parts of weight of O2 are obtained from Concept Ladder

68 parts by weight of H2O2.
Pure H2O2 is a syrupy liquid.
\ 8 parts by weight of O2 are obtained from It is soluble in water, alcohol
68 × 8 and ether. It is injurious to
= 17 parts by weight of H2O2.
32 skin
\ Equivalent weight of H2O2 = 17.

Normality of 10 volume H2O2 solution

Strength of 10 volume H2O2 so ln in g L−1 30.35

= = = 1.785 N
Equivalent weight of H2O2 17

2H2O2 
→ 2H2O + O2
2 mol 1 mol
Previous Year’s Question
2 mol of H2O2 = 22.4 L of O2
1 mol of H2O2 = 11.2 L of O2 The volume strength of 1.5 N H2O2
solution is  [AIPMT]
1M H2O2 = 11.2 L of O2
(1) 8.8 (2) 8.4
1 N H2O2 = 5.6 L of O2 = 5.6 volume of O2 (3) 4.8 (4) 5.2
Hydrogen

35.
 Q.18 In which group of the periodic table, hydrogen is placed?

A.18 No fixed position, sometimes placed in IA with alkali metals and sometimes in
VIIA (or 17th) group with halogens.

Q.19 Which metals react with H2O or dilute HCl or dilute H2SO4 to evolve hydrogen?

A.19 Metals having positive oxidation potential values or placed above hydrogen in the
electrochemical series evolve hydrogen with water or dilute HCl or dilute H2SO4.

Q.21 Why are the melting and boiling points of D2O are higher than those of ordinary
water?

A.21 D2O has more molecular mass and greater degree of association than H2O and thus
shows higher m.pt and b.pt.

Q.22 Hydrogen peroxide acts as an oxidising agent as well as a reducing agent.

A.22 This is due to the following reaction.

Oxidation agent :

H2O2  2 H  2 e 
 2 H2O (acidic medium)
H2 O2  2 e 
 2 OH (alkaline
e medium)
Reducing agent:
H2O2 
 2 H  O2  2 e
Hydrogen

36.
Q.23 Hydrogen forms compounds with elements having atomic numbers: 9, 11, 12
and 17. What are their chemical formulas? Compare their chemical behaviour.

A.23
Atomic Chemical formula of the
S. No. Element
Number hydride

1. 9 F HF

2. 11 Na NaH

3. 12 Mg MgH2

4. 17 Cl HCl

The compounds formed are hydrides of s-and p-block elements. s-block

hydrides (NaH and MgH2) are also known as salt-like or ionic hydrides. These
are non-volatile and non-conducting crystalline solids. MgH2 has covalent
polymer structure.

Q.24 Explain why hydrogen peroxide is stored in coloured plastic bottles?

A.24 H O 2
decomposes slowly on exposure to light.
2

2 H O 
2  2H O  O
2 (l) 2 (l) 2 (g )

In the presence of metal surfaces of traces of alkali present in glass bottles,

above decomposition reaction is catalysed. So, it is stored in coloured/ plastic
bottles in dark. As a stabiliser, urea can be added. Dust also induces explosive
decomposition..

Q.25 Discuss the importance of heavy water in nuclear reactors.

A.25 D O is used as a moderator in nuclear reactors because it slows

2
down fast
moving neutrons and therefore helps in controlling nuclear fission process. It
has also been used as a tracer compound to study the mechanism of many
chemical reactions.
Hydrogen

37.
 Q.26 Ionic hydrides are frequently used to remove traces of water from organic
compounds. What is the underlying basis of this process?

A.26 Electrolysis of solutions of ionic hydrides in molten alkalie halides produce

hydrogen gas at the anode which confirms the existence of hydride, H– ion.
2 H 
Anode
 H  2 e
2 (g)
(Melt)

Since hydrides react explosively with water.

NaH(s)  H2O(aq) 
 H2 (g)  NaOH( aq)
H– is a strong Bronsted base, which has high reactivity with water. The fire
so produced can be extinguished by CO2 as it gets reduced by the hot metal
hydride.

Q.27 Why do lakes freeze from wate top towards bottom?

A.27 There are intermolecular hydrogen bonding in H O molecules. The density of
2
water is greater than ice. It many be noted that at 4°C water has maximum
density. In severe cold the upper layer of the sea water freezes and the heavier
water (density more than that of ice) is present below the surface of ice. Due
to this sea animals live safely in water.
Hydrogen

38.
Chapter Summary

1. Laboratory method of preparation of hydrogen (H2)

Zn + dil.H2SO4 
→ ZnCl 2 + H2

2. Commercial processes (for manufacture of hydrogen)

(i) Bosch process

C + H2O 
∆
→ CO H2O
+

Water gas

(ii) Lane’s process

Fe2O + Cr2O3
3Fe + 4H2O → CO2 + 2H2
∆
Stem 1000K

(iii) From hydrocarbon

1270K
Hydrocarbon + H O → CO + H
2 catalyst 2

3. Uses of H2
(i) Hydrogenation of oil.
(ii) haber’s process for menufacture of Ammonia.
(iii) Liquid O2 + liquid H2 —rocket fuel in space research.
(iv) 85% He and 15% H2 is used in filling of balloons.

4. Hydrides are compounds of hydrogen with other element.

Types of Hydrides
(i) Ionic or saline or salt like hydrides.
(ii) Covalent hydride.
(iii) Metallic or interstitial hydride.
(iv) Polynuclear hydride.
5. Soft and hard water :
Soft warter produces lather with soap and hard water does not.
Types of Hardness of Water
(i) Temporary hardness
(a) Due to bicarbonates of Ca and Mg.
(b) Removed by boiling, Clark’s method.
(ii) Permanent hardness
(a) Due to soluble chlorides and sulphates of Ca and Mg.
(b) Removed by Soda lime method, Ion exchange method.
Hydrogen

39.

6. Heavy water (H2O2) or Oxygenated water: It was discovered by Thennard.
(i) Methods of preparation
(a) Lab emthod: By action of H2SO4 on hydrated barium peroxide (BaO2.8H2O)
BaO .8 H O  H SO   BaSO  H O  8 H O
2 2 2 4 4 2 2 2

(b) Merck’s method

Na 2O2  H2SO4 
 Na 2SO4  H2O2
(c) By electrolysis of 50% H2SO4
2 H2SO4 
electricity
 2 H  2HSO4
At cathode At anode
2 H  2 e 
 H2  2 HSO4 
 H2S2O8  2e
Peroxodisulphuric
acid

H2S2O8  2 H2O   2 H2SO4  H2O2

(b) Properties
(i) Acidic in nature (Ka = 1.55 × 10-12 at 298k)
H O  H O   H O  HO
2 2 2 3 2

(ii) Bleaching action of H2O2 is due to oxidation

H2O2   H2O  [O]
(iii) Strong oxidising agent
H2O2  2 H  2 e  2 H2O (acidic medium)
H2 O2  OH  2 e 
 3 OH (bas
sic medium)
It oxidises (in acidic medium)
(a) Kl  → I2
(b) Fe 
2
 Fe3
(c) PbS 
 PbSO4
(d) K3 [Fe(CN)6 ] 
 K4 [Fe(CN)6 ]
(e) K2Cr2O7 
 Cr2O5
(f) Sulphite 
 Sulphate
In basic medium
(a) Mn salts 
 MnO2
(b) Chromium salts to chromate
(c) HCHO   HCOOH
Hydrogen

40.
 (iii) Uses of H2O2
(a) Bleaching of delicate material - hair, wool, feather.
H2O2
(b) restoration of colour of lead painting (black PbS   white
PbSO4)
(c) Perhydrol (trade name of 30% H2O) used as antiseptic and germicide.
(d) As antichlore (Cl2 → HCl)
(iv) Structure of H2O2 - Has open book structure

(v) Strength of H2O solution

(a) When expressed as percentage means% of H2O2 in solution w/v.
(b) When expressed in volume strength means the volume of O2(in L)
obtained by decomposition of 1 L sample of H2O2.
(c) Volume strength of H2O2 = Normality × (Equivalent weight of H2O2 =17)

(d) Normality of H2O2  percentage strength  10

Eq. wt. of H2O2
(vii) Test of H2O2

(a) Changes black PbS to white PbSO4.

(b) K2Cr2O7  H2O2 

 Cr2O5
( orange ) (blue)

Hydrogen

41.