Introduction 

Hydrides are referred to the anion of the hydrogen atom. Similar to most of the elements in the periodic table, hydrogen can also react with other elements. This article talks about Classification of hydrides – ionic, covalent and interstitial. You will find brief information on the concept of hydrides, different types of hydrides, along with the uses of hydrides in detail. So, let’s start by describing the Classification of hydrides – ionic, covalent and interstitial in the Chemistry study material. Before we dive directly into the classification of hydrides, it is essential to study hydrides in brief. 

What are Hydrides? 

Hydride compounds are formed with the help of all the elements of the periodic table, exceptions being some of the noble gases. Depending upon factors like the bond formed and elements of hydride ions, their properties can be easily described. The molecular formula and the molecular weight of hydrides are H– and 1.008 g/mol, respectively. Also, it is seen that there is no reaction between the hydrogen atoms and VA group elements in the periodic table. 

Types of Hydrides

Depending upon the chemical bonds, hydrides are majorly divided into three types or groups. These are as follows –

• Ionic hydrides 
• Covalent hydrides 
• Interstitial or metallic hydrides 

Let’s discuss each of these in detail: 

Ionic or Saline Hydrides

The first in the list of the types of hydrides is the ionic or saline hydrides which are formulated when hydrogen molecules and highly electropositive s-block elements react with each other. These highly electropositive s-block elements are Alkaline Earth Metals or Alkaline Metals. The ionic hydrides in their solid-state are non-volatile and non-conducting. However, in their liquid state, ionic hydrides conduct electricity. Ionic or saline hydrides are mostly used as reducing reagents or bases as these do not dissolve in conventional solvents. 

Some of the common examples of Ionic or Saline hydrides are Sodium hydride, Potassium hydride, and Calcium hydride.  

Covalent Hydrides 

The next type of hydrides is the Covalent hydrides which are formed when an atom of hydrogen reacts with one or more similar electronegative elements or non-metal elements such as Si, C, etc. in simple terms, the compounds which are formed at a time when hydrogen reacts with other non-metals is termed as covalent hydrides. Usually, a covalent bond is shared by compounds that are either non-volatile or volatile compounds. Note, covalent hydrides can be present in either gas or liquid form depending on the reaction. 

Some of the common examples of Covalent hydrides are nitrogen hydrides, silicone hydride (which is silane), boron hydrides, etc.

Interstitial or Metallic Hydrides 

The other category or type of hydrides is the Interstitial or metallic hydrides which are nonstoichiometric and have one of the rarest qualities. Mostly, the interstitial or metallic hydrides are formulated when transition elements and hydrogen atoms bond with each other. Accept nonstoichiometric in nature; the interstitial hydrides are extremely hard with high boiling and melting points. Note, all the f and d block elements in the periodic table are the transition elements. When compared to ionic hydrides, these are different but can conduct electricity easily. 

Some of the common examples of Interstitial or metallic hydrides are aluminium hydride, Magnesium hydride, cadmium hydride, and so on.  

Binary Hydrides 

Accept all three types of hydrides; there is one special type known as the binary hydrides, which falls under the special category of hydrides. Some of the common examples of binary hydrides are Barium hydride, aluminium hydride, caesium hydride, calcium hydride, lithium hydrides, and so on. The binary hydrides have an element that can bond with atoms of hydrogen. Once chemical bonding is completed, it starts to act as electronegative species. Free hydride anions are extremely rare in binary hydrides. 

Transition Elements 

Transition elements are an important topic of chemistry in class 12th. The transition elements are those elements that are in the d-block of the modern periodic table. Also known as transition metals, transition elements have partially filled the f and d subshells. As per the IUPAC, transition elements have a partially electron-filled d subshell of an element which can give rise to cations that are stable with incomplete subshells. 

However, the elements in the f block can also be termed transition metals. Although the f block elements have partially filled orbitals, these are known as inner transition metals or inner transition elements.

Uses of Hydrides 

All three types of hydrides have different uses in chemistry. Some of those uses are listed below; let’s have a look: 

• Lithium aluminium hydride is one of the most powerful reducing agents in organic chemistry. 
• There are several industries in which Ammonia is widely used. 
• In the chemical process called Fumigation, phosphine is one of the major ingredients. 
• Metal hydrides can be used in several ways. Some common uses are to store hydrogen, heat and also used as a compressor. 
• In the textile industry, Hydrides are widely used as drying agents 
• In the battery industry, Nickel hydrides play a significant role and enjoy domination. 

Apart from these, there are several other applications of hydrides in multiple industries. 

Conclusion

With this, we come to an end of our today’s article about the Classification of hydrides – ionic, covalent, and interstitial, and other important topics related to the same. Now, when you have already understood what it means, it’s time that you move further and go through other topics which are an important part of the syllabus too. To help you in your preparation process, Unacademt serves a wide range of study material which is curated specially by the top educators and subject experts which will ultimately contribute to your success. 

Talking about the Classification of hydrides – ionic, covalent, and interstitial, it is one of the basic and most important concepts while studying for class 12th and even for national level entrance examinations such as NEET, JEE Mains, or Advance. So, make sure you go through it regularly to not miss any point!