Hydronium ion, $\ce{H_3O^+}$ exists freely in solution
Dihydrogen does not act as a reducing agent
Hydrogen has three isotopes of which tritium is the most common
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The Correct Option isD
Solution and Explanation
To determine which statement about hydrogen is incorrect, let's evaluate each option:
Hydrogen never acts as cation in ionic salts: This statement is correct. In most of its compounds, hydrogen acts as a cation (\(\ce{H^+}\)) or is part of a neutral molecule or radical like \(\ce{H2}\).
Hydronium ion, \(\ce{H3O^+}\) exists freely in solution: This statement is true. In aqueous solutions, hydrogen ions combine with water to form the hydronium ion. It is commonly present in acids and is indicative of the acidic nature of a solution.
Dihydrogen does not act as a reducing agent: This statement is incorrect as per general chemistry knowledge. Dihydrogen (\(\ce{H2}\)) is known to act as a reducing agent. It has the ability to donate electrons and thus reduce other substances. For example, it reduces metal oxides to metals.
Hydrogen has three isotopes of which tritium is the most common: This statement is incorrect. Hydrogen does have three isotopes: protium (\(\ce{^1H}\)), deuterium (\(\ce{^2H}\)), and tritium (\(\ce{^3H}\)). However, protium is the most common isotope, not tritium. Protium accounts for approximately 99.98% of hydrogen on Earth.
After evaluating each option, it is clear that the statement "Hydrogen has three isotopes of which tritium is the most common" is incorrect.