Hydride Ion

Definition

The hydride ion, denoted as H⁻, is a negatively charged species consisting of a single hydrogen atom with an extra electron. It is an important concept in the context of the occurrence, preparation, and compounds of hydrogen.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The hydride ion is the conjugate base of the hydrogen atom, formed when hydrogen gains an additional electron.
2. Hydride ions are commonly found in metal hydrides, such as sodium hydride (NaH) and calcium hydride (CaH₂), where they act as reducing agents.
3. Hydride ions can be prepared by the reaction of hydrogen gas with alkali metals or alkaline earth metals, forming ionic compounds.
4. Hydride ions are important in the reduction of organic compounds, as they can act as nucleophiles and participate in various chemical reactions.
5. The high reactivity of hydride ions makes them useful in the synthesis of various organic and inorganic compounds, as well as in the storage and transportation of hydrogen gas.

Review Questions

• Explain the formation of the hydride ion and its role as a reducing agent in the context of hydrogen compounds.
  • The hydride ion, H⁻, is formed when a hydrogen atom gains an additional electron, resulting in a negatively charged species. Due to its high electron density, the hydride ion is a strong reducing agent and can readily donate its electron to other substances, causing them to be reduced. This property makes hydride ions important in the preparation and reactions of various hydrogen compounds, where they can act as nucleophiles and participate in reduction processes.
• Describe the methods used to prepare hydride ions and the types of compounds they are found in.
  • Hydride ions can be prepared by the reaction of hydrogen gas with alkali metals or alkaline earth metals, forming ionic compounds known as metal hydrides. For example, the reaction of hydrogen with sodium or calcium results in the formation of sodium hydride (NaH) and calcium hydride (CaH₂), respectively. These metal hydrides are important sources of hydride ions and are widely used as reducing agents in organic and inorganic synthesis, as well as in the storage and transportation of hydrogen gas.
• Analyze the significance of hydride ions in the context of the occurrence, preparation, and compounds of hydrogen, and how they contribute to the versatility of hydrogen in chemistry.
  • The hydride ion, H⁻, is a crucial concept in understanding the occurrence, preparation, and compounds of hydrogen. As the conjugate base of the hydrogen atom, the hydride ion plays a central role in the reactivity and applications of hydrogen. Its high electron density makes it a potent reducing agent, allowing it to participate in various chemical reactions and the synthesis of diverse organic and inorganic compounds. The ability to prepare hydride ions, such as through the reaction of hydrogen gas with metals, enables the storage and transportation of hydrogen, which is essential for its widespread use in energy, industry, and other areas of chemistry. The versatility of the hydride ion, coupled with the unique properties of hydrogen, contributes to the versatility and importance of this element in the field of chemistry.

Related terms

Hydrogen: Hydrogen is the lightest and most abundant chemical element in the universe, with the atomic symbol H and atomic number 1.

Ionic Bond: An ionic bond is a type of chemical bond that involves the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions, such as the positive cation and negative anion.

Reducing Agent: A reducing agent is a substance that has the ability to reduce other substances by donating electrons, thereby becoming oxidized itself.