Common Uses of Hydrogen Compounds
Hydrogen is one of the most versatile of elements. It creates the tang in your orange juice and the stomach acid that digests it; the DNA that began your life and the water that sustains it. It is also the most common element in the universe, present as far away as the most distant star and as near as your own cells. Hydrogen compounds are common and have a myriad of practical uses.
Other People Are Reading
-
Water
-
One of the most common and important hydrogen compounds is water (H2O). Besides its better-known uses for drinking, washing, cooking and bathing, water is also used to produce electricity via steam turbines, to dilute chemicals for agricultural and industrial processes, to transport goods via ships and barges, to leach salts from crop soil and to cool nuclear reactors.
Hydrogen Peroxide
-
The last time you got a cut, you may have used hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to clean the wound. This is because this hydrogen compound is commonly used to prevent infections. It can also be used as a general disinfectant, a stain remover, a wood stripper and in cheese production.
-
Ammonia
-
Ammonia (NH3) is what causes the strong smell in certain types of window cleaners. It is also used as a fertilizer, a refrigerant and an active ingredient in such industrial processes as leather curing, wood pulping and waste water treatment.
Hydrides and Hydroxides
-
Hydrides are formed when hydrogen bonds with one other element. Hydroxides are formed when hydrogen bonds with another element or ion as part of a hydroxide ion (OH-). Nickle-metal hydride (NiMH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) are used to create batteries. Calcium hydride (CaH2) is used to create hydrogen gas and to dehydrate other gases and liquids. Magnesium hydroxide (MgOH), or milk of magnesia, is a common laxative.
Hydrocarbons
-
Hydrocarbons are compounds made up of chains or rings of hydrogen and carbon. Many hydrocarbons are used as fuels. Natural gas, composed of methane (CH4) and ethane (C2H6), is used to heat buildings and to generate electricity. Propane (C3H8) is used to power gas grills, blow torches and other tools that produce gas flames. Octane (C8H18) is a key component of the gasoline that is used for automotive transportation.
Organic Compounds
-
Hydrogen, along with other elements, forms the organic compounds that are essential to life. Carbohydrates such as glucose (C6H12O6) provide energy for cellular functions. Fats, composed of long chains of hydrogen, carbon and oxygen, store energy for future use. Proteins, made up of hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and trace elements, construct bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and hair. DNA, partially constructed of carbohydrates, provides the instructs for protein formation and allows for cellular reproduction and the propagation of life.
Acids
-
All acids are hydrogen compounds. In fact, the ability to lose a hydrogen ion is what makes an acid an acid. Hydrochloric acid (ClH) is the stomach acid responsible for digesting your food. The acetic acid (HC2H3O2) in vinegar is used as a cleaning agent and in food preparation. Carbonic acid (H2CO3) and phosphoric acid (H3PO4) are used to make soft drinks, and citric acid (H3C6H5O7) creates the tart flavor in citrus fruits. Acids are also widely used in removing metal corrosion and in manufacturing processes.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
