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Molecular hydrogen

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Identification
Molecular formula
H2
CAS number
1333-74-0
IUPAC name
molecular hydrogen
State
State

At room temperature, molecular hydrogen is in a gaseous state.

Melting point (Celsius)
-259.16
Melting point (Kelvin)
14.01
Boiling point (Celsius)
-252.87
Boiling point (Kelvin)
20.28
General information
Molecular weight
2.02g/mol
Molar mass
2.0160g/mol
Density
0.0001g/cm3
Appearence

Molecular hydrogen is a colorless, odorless gas at room temperature, which forms diatomic molecules, denoted as H2. It is the lightest and most abundant chemical substance in the universe, constituting roughly 75% of all baryonic mass.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Molecular Hydrogen (H2)

Molecular hydrogen, represented by the formula H2, is quite unique when it comes to solubility. While it is not soluble in water at significant levels, it exhibits interesting behavior in various solvents. Key points to consider include:

  • Low Solubility in Water: H2 has a very low solubility in water, roughly around 0.0016 g/100 mL at 25°C, which classifies it as practically insoluble.
  • Solubility in Organic Solvents: H2 tends to have higher solubility in non-polar organic solvents like hexane and toluene. Increased temperature can enhance solubility in these environments.
  • Temperature and Pressure Effects: Increasing pressure significantly affects the solubility of H2. According to Henry's Law, as pressure increases, the solubility of hydrogen in a liquid will also increase.
  • Applications in Chemical Reactions: The low solubility of H2 in water allows its use in various industrial applications, particularly in hydrogenation processes.

In conclusion, despite its low solubility in water, H2 has important implications in industrial chemistry and can be effectively utilized in the right conditions. Understanding the solubility characteristics of molecular hydrogen can lead to enhanced applications and innovative breakthroughs.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Molecular Hydrogen (H2)

Molecular hydrogen, or H2, is a fascinating compound that holds great significance in both chemistry and various practical applications.

Key Characteristics

  • Most Abundant Element: Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, making up about 75% of its elemental mass.
  • Energy Carrier: Due to its high energy content, molecular hydrogen is considered a promising clean fuel alternative, especially in fuel cells.
  • Combustion: When burned in oxygen, H2 produces water as the only byproduct, contributing to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Unique Properties

  • Lightest Molecule: H2 is the lightest and simplest molecule, consisting of just two hydrogen atoms.
  • High Diffusion Rate: Molecular hydrogen diffuses quickly, which can be both an advantage and a challenge in storage and transport.
  • Invisibility: H2 is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making it undetectable by human senses when it is in its molecular form.

Applications in Modern Science

  • Space Exploration: H2 is used as a rocket fuel, providing the thrust needed to launch spacecraft.
  • Industrial Uses: It plays a vital role in various chemical processes, such as the Haber process for ammonia production.
  • Emerging Technologies: Researchers are exploring the use of H2 in sustainable energy systems, including hydrogen-powered vehicles and energy storage solutions.

In conclusion, molecular hydrogen (H2) is not just an essential building block of the universe, but it also presents remarkable opportunities for advancements in science and technology that can lead us toward a more sustainable future. As Albert Einstein famously said, "Energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be changed from one form to another." In this sense, H2 embodies the exceptional potential of energy transformation.

Synonyms
Hydrogen
1333-74-0
H
Molecular hydrogen
Dihydrogen
Hydrogen gas
Protium
Hydrogen atom
Atomic hydrogen
o-Hydrogen
p-Hydrogen
hydrogen-1
HYDROGEN [HSDB]
HYDROGEN [MI]
H2
HYDROGEN [WHO-DD]
7YNJ3PO35Z
DTXSID9029643
CHEBI:18276
UN 1049
UN 1966
E 949
E-949
1-Butanol, titanium(4+) salt, monohydrate, homopolymer (9CI)
Hydrogen atoms
Hydrogen, atomic
hidrogeno
hydrogene
Wasserstoff
alpha-cellulose
Cellulose powder
hydrogen molecule
HSDB 5026
Powdered cellulose
monoatomic hydrogen
3A molecular sieve
EINECS 215-605-7
Hydrogen, compressed
UN1049
UN1966
ORTHOHYDROGEN
PARAHYDROGEN
HYDROGEN, GAS
MOL. HYDROGEN
HYDROGEN [INCI]
alpha-Cellulose, 90mum
HYDROGEN (H2)
T101 Monoclonal Antibody
COware 20ml with H-Caps
Hydrogen, >=99.99%
Hydrogen, >=99.999%
CHEBI:18140
CHEBI:33251
CHEBI:49637
DTXCID00196437
YZCKVEUIGOORGS-UHFFFAOYSA-N
BBL103822
NSC356464
STL557632
alpha-Cellulose, 25mum particle size
alpha-Cellulose, 65mum particle size
AKOS016038407
NSC-356464
E949
Hydrogen, Messer(R) CANgas, 99.999%
NS00080750
C00282
alpha-Cellulose, Partical size: d50,180-280mum
alpha-Cellulose, Partical size: d50,90-150mum
Q3027893
1-Butanol,titanium(4+)salt,monohydrate,homopolymer(9ci)
1H
215-605-7
H-H