Wielowodory

Wielowodory is a Polish-language term used in chemistry to describe compounds that contain several hydrogen atoms per molecule. The usage is informal and not part of standardized nomenclature; in most modern contexts the class is referred to as polyhydrides or hydrogen-rich compounds. The term can cover both inorganic and, less commonly, organic species, depending on the source.

In the inorganic subset, wielowodory includes metal hydrides such as calcium hydride (CaH2) and sodium hydride (NaH), as well as complex hydrides like lithium aluminum hydride (LiAlH4) and sodium borohydride (NaBH4). These materials are studied for their relatively high hydrogen content and potential applications in hydrogen storage, reduction chemistry, and as precursors for synthesis. Practical use is often limited by issues of stability, air sensitivity, and handling hazards.

In organic contexts, the term is less standard, but some descriptions use wielowodory to refer to hydrocarbons with a large number of hydrogen atoms relative to carbon, such as saturated hydrocarbons (alkanes) or hydrogen-rich intermediates. In most scientific writing, terms like alkanes or hydrogen-rich organics are preferred.

Beyond routine nomenclature, the broader concept behind wielowodory encompasses hydrogen-dense materials studied in modern chemistry and materials science. Notably, polyhydride research includes high-pressure phases of metal hydrides, which have attracted interest for potential energy storage applications and, in some cases, the discovery of superconducting phases under extreme conditions (for example, lanthanum hydride LaH10 at high pressures).