Question

Wilkinson's catalyst $\left[Rh\right(P{h}_{3}P{)}_{3}Cl]$ is used for:

• A. hydrogenation of oils
• B. hydrogenation of alkynes
• C. hydrogenation of alkenes
• D. polymerisation of alkenes

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

hydrogenation of alkenes

Wilkinson's Catalyst $\left[Rh\right(P{h}_{3}P{)}_3]Cl$ is used for hydrogenation of alkenes.

The rhodium is able to form a 6-coordinate complex, allowing it to selectively reduce alkenes. The Wilkinson's catalyst is not able to reduce carbon-oxygen double bonds or double bonds, and it selectively reduces the least hindered double bond.

Option C is correct.