hydrogen [H]

Introduction

From the Greek: hydro genes (water forming) First recognized as an element by Henry Cavendish in 1766. It is the simplest & lightest of all elements.

Occurrence

• most abundant element in the universe
• primary fuel for stars

Characteristics

• exists as a colorless odorless highly flammable & explosive diatomic gas

Uses

• production of NH3
• hydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids

More general terms

• chemical element

More specific terms

• deuterium
• tritium

Additional terms

• periodic table

Database

• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=783