Question

What is the role of a metal catalyst in a catalytic hydrogenation reaction?

Answer 1

Dear student,

The catalyst used in hydrogenation reaction is a nickel catalyst. However, sometimes in place of nickel palladium or platinum may also be used.

A catalyst is a chemical substance that increases or decreases the speed of a chemical reaction without undergoing any chemical change.

The catalyst in a catalytic hydrogenation reaction breaks the H-H bond in H₂, and each hydrogen attaches to the metal catalyst surface, forming metal-hydrogen bonds. The metal catalyst also absorbs the alkene onto its surface. A hydrogen atom is then transferred to the alkene, forming a new C-H bond. Catalyst speed ups the reaction.

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