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Atomic Hydrogen

Module by: Andrew R. Barron, Carissa Smith. E-mail the authors

Summary: The synthesis and reactivity of atomic hydrogen

Atomic hydrogen has the electron configuration of 1s1 and as such represents the simplest atomic configuration. However, as a consequence there is dispute as to its proper position within the Periodic Table. Its electron configuration is similar to the valence electron configuration of the alkali metals (ns1) suggesting it be listed at the top of Group 1 (1A). However, its reaction chemistry is dissimilar to the alkali metals. Hydrogen is also one electron short of a Nobel gas configuration, and therefore it is possible to think of its relationship to the halogens.

Vapor phase

Atomic hydrogen (H.) is highly reactive and consequently has a short lifetime due to its reaction chemistry. Consequently, in order to generate and observe the reactivity they must be generate at low pressures. Thermolysis of hydrogen compound (commonly halide) or photolysis at an energy above the bond dissociation energy results in the homoleptic cleavage of the H-X bond to generate the appropriate radical species.

Eq10.jpg
(1)

Alternatively, atomic hydrogen can be generated from elemental hydrogen.

Eq11.jpg
(2)

The reverse reaction (recombination of two hydrogen atoms) is highly exothermic (-434 kJ.mol-1) and forms the basis of the heat generated in arc welding.

Solution

Atomic hydrogen may be generated in aqueous solution through the solvation of electrons.

Eq12.jpg
(3)

The formation equilibrium constant (Keq) is very small resulting in very low concentrations being generated (10-5 M). As expected solvated atomic hydrogen is a strong reducing agent.

Eq13.jpg
(4)
Eq14.jpg
(5)

Solid state

Hydrogen atoms may be trapped in the solid state lattice upon generation by photolysis of HX. Observation by electron spin resonance (esr) of a signal split by s = 1/2 nucleus (i.e., 1H) results in a doublet with a coupling of 1428 MHz.

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Definition of a lens

Lenses

A lens is a custom view of the content in the repository. You can think of it as a fancy kind of list that will let you see content through the eyes of organizations and people you trust.

What is in a lens?

Lens makers point to materials (modules and collections), creating a guide that includes their own comments and descriptive tags about the content.

Who can create a lens?

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Definition of a lens

Lenses

A lens is a custom view of the content in the repository. You can think of it as a fancy kind of list that will let you see content through the eyes of organizations and people you trust.

What is in a lens?

Lens makers point to materials (modules and collections), creating a guide that includes their own comments and descriptive tags about the content.

Who can create a lens?

Any individual member, a community, or a respected organization.

What are tags? tag icon

Tags are descriptors added by lens makers to help label content, attaching a vocabulary that is meaningful in the context of the lens.

| External bookmarks