Hydrogen is not only the simplest atom in the universe but also the most abundant element (Table 1). The simplest isotope of hydrogen is made up of just one proton and one electron. Hydrogen is unusual in that all its isotopes not only have individual names, but also accompanying symbols (Table 2). Hydrogen forms single covalent bonds and, by sharing its only electron with a second atom of hydrogen, forms a diatomic molecule of hydrogen (H2).
Hydrogen has many uses, including being used as a reducing agent in organic synthesis, in the production of margarine (from unsaturated vegetable oils, see CHEMISTRY REVIEW, Vol. 15, No. 4, pp. 2–5) and as a fuel (see CHEMISTRY REVIEW, Vol. 17, No. 3, pp. 2–5 and Vol. 9, No. 5. p. 34).
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