Question

I want to know what exactly happens with the hydrogen molecules and transition metals in catalytic reduction leading to breaking of hydrogen bonds and forming two hydrogen atoms

Answer 1

Catalytic reduction involves the breaking of hydrogen bonds and the formation of adsorbed hydrogen atoms on a transition metal catalyst's surface, leading to further reactions such as the hydrogenation of alkenes.

Step-by-step explanation:

In catalytic reduction, the interaction of hydrogen gas with the surface of a transition metal catalyst, such as Ni, Pd, or Pt, leads to the breaking of hydrogen bonds and the formation of individual adsorbed hydrogen atoms on the catalyst surface.

The adsorbed hydrogen atoms are more reactive than hydrogen molecules and can undergo further reactions. For example, in the hydrogenation of alkenes, the hydrogen atoms react with the double bond of the alkene to form a single bond and yield an alkane product. The refreshed catalyst surface can then repeat the process.