Question

List two major industrial uses of hydrogen.

Short answer

1. Hydrogen is used as a feedstock for ammonia production through the Haber-Bosch process, which is then utilized in manufacturing fertilizers. 2. In the food industry, hydrogen is used to produce hydrogenated vegetable oils, improving stability and shelf life for products like margarine, shortening, and baked goods.

Step-by-step solution

1. Hydrogen as a feedstock for ammonia production

Hydrogen is used as a raw material, or feedstock, for the production of ammonia through the Haber-Bosch process. Ammonia (NH3) is then used to manufacture fertilizers, which are essential for global agriculture.

2. Hydrogen as a feedstock for the production of hydrogenated vegetable oils

Hydrogen is employed in the food industry to produce hydrogenated vegetable oils through a process called hydrogenation. During hydrogenation, unsaturated fats in vegetable oils are saturated by adding hydrogen atoms, thus producing solid or semi-solid fats with improved stability and shelf life. These hydrogenated fats are used in the production of products such as margarine, shortening, and various baked goods.

Key concepts

Haber-Bosch process

The Haber-Bosch process is a groundbreaking method central to modern ammonia production. Invented in the early 20th century, this process allows for the synthesis of ammonia by combining nitrogen from the air with hydrogen gas.
This remarkable chemical reaction takes place under high pressure and temperature, using an iron catalyst to accelerate the reaction.
Ammonia, symbolized by the chemical formula NH3, plays a vital role in agriculture, as it is primarily used in the production of fertilizers. The ability to produce ammonia efficiently has significantly increased agricultural yields worldwide.

• Invented by Fritz Haber and Carl Bosch
• Operates under high pressure and temperature
• Uses an iron catalyst

In summary, the Haber-Bosch process has revolutionized fertilizer production and, consequently, increased global food production.

Ammonia production

Ammonia production is one of the most important industrial applications of hydrogen. Ammonia is a simple inorganic compound made of nitrogen and hydrogen.
This colorless gas, with a distinct smell, is produced prominently using the Haber-Bosch process. It is crucial for creating nitrogen-based fertilizers, which are essential for boosting crop growth.

• Primary component: Nitrogen and Hydrogen
• Produced using the Haber-Bosch process
• Vital for nitrogen-based fertilizers

Apart from fertilizers, ammonia is used in a variety of industries like plastics, explosives, and textiles. It acts as a building block for many industrial chemicals, making it indispensable.

Hydrogenation

Hydrogenation is a chemical process that involves the addition of hydrogen to other compounds. It is commonly used in the food and chemical industries to alter the state and properties of various substances.
During hydrogenation, hydrogen molecules are added to unsaturated fats, transforming them into saturated fats. This change generally results in a more solid form and can improve the product's texture and shelf-life.

• Involves adding hydrogen to compounds
• Converts unsaturated fats to saturated forms
• Enhances stability and texture of products

The hydrogenation process is significant in making fats suitable for cooking and baking.

Vegetable oils

Vegetable oils are extracted from seeds and fruits of plants. They are commonly used in cooking and food production due to their versatility and nutritional benefits.
However, these oils are often in liquid form at room temperature. To modify their consistency, hydrogenation is applied. By adding hydrogen to the oils, unsaturated fats become more saturated, turning the oils into solid or semi-solid forms.
This transformation is used to create products like margarine and shortening, which are staples in baking and food preparation.

• Derived from plant seeds and fruits
• Used in both cooking and food production
• Commonly undergo hydrogenation

Hydrogenated vegetable oils are widely used due to their textural properties and long shelf life.

Fertilizers

Fertilizers are substances added to soils or plants to supply essential nutrients that promote growth. Ammonia is a key ingredient in producing nitrogen-based fertilizers, which are crucial for modern agriculture.
These fertilizers help plants acquire nitrogen, which is a vital element for growth and development. By increasing the availability of nutrients in the soil, fertilizers have boosted agricultural output and food supply significantly.

• Supply essential nutrients to plants
• Ammonia is critical for nitrogen-rich fertilizers
• Enhances agricultural yield and efficiency

Fertilizers have transformed farming practices, allowing for higher yields and more efficient use of land.