Question

Wilkinson's catalyst accomplishes which of the listed molecular syntheses?O syn addition of H2 to an alkene O anti addition of H2 to an alkene O syn dihydroxylation an alkene O anti dihydroxylation an alkene

Answer 1

Wilkinson's catalyst is used for the syn addition of H2 to an alkene during hydrogenation, where both hydrogen atoms add to the same side of the alkene.

Step-by-step explanation:

Wilkinson's catalyst is renowned for facilitating the hydrogenation of alkenes, which is an addition reaction where molecular hydrogen (H2) is added across the double bond of an alkene to produce an alkane. During this process, both hydrogen atoms are added to the same side of the alkene, resulting in syn addition. This is different from other addition reactions such as anti additions or dihydroxylations. It is important to note that Wilkinson's catalyst, which contains rhodium, is used specifically for the homogeneous hydrogenation of alkenes.