Question

Part a: Please explain in detail the mechanism of catalytic hydrogenation when applied to the reactants, (z)-3-methyl-2-hexene and hydrogen gas, with the catalyst, Ni-C.

Part b: What are the product(s) of this reaction?

Answer 1

The mechanism of catalytic hydrogenation involves the addition of hydrogen to an alkene on a nickel catalyst. The reactant (z)-3-methyl-2-hexene undergoes C-C π-bond breakage and forms new C-H bonds to produce 3-methylhexane.

Step-by-step explanation:

The mechanism of catalytic hydrogenation involves the reaction of a compound containing a carbon-carbon double bond (alkene) with hydrogen gas on a nickel catalyst. In the case of (z)-3-methyl-2-hexene, the double bond between the second and third carbon atoms undergoes addition of hydrogen.

First, hydrogen molecules adsorb on the surface of the nickel catalyst, breaking the H-H bonds and forming Ni-H bonds. Then, the alkene molecule adsorbs on the catalyst surface, breaking the C-C π-bond and forming Ni-C bonds. The individual atoms on the surface of the catalyst diffuse and collide, forming new C-H bonds. Ultimately, the product, 3-methylhexane, desorbs from the catalyst surface.