Catalytic Hydrogenation of Ethylene

C2H4 + H2 → C2H6

Overview

Ethylene is reduced to ethane by addition of hydrogen across the double bond, catalyzed by a transition metal surface. Both hydrogen atoms add to the same face of the alkene (syn addition). The metal catalyst adsorbs both H₂ and the alkene, weakening bonds and facilitating the reaction.

Participants

Role Substance Coefficient State
Reactant Ethylene C₂H₄ 1 (g)
Reactant Hydrogen H 1 (g)
Product Ethane C₂H₆ 1 (g)

Everyday Example

Margarine is made by partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils, converting liquid unsaturated fats to solid saturated fats.

Industrial Importance

Catalytic hydrogenation is used in petroleum refining, margarine production, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and fine chemical synthesis. Paul Sabatier won the 1912 Nobel Prize for this work.

Properties

Type
Organic
Reversible
No
Energy
Exothermic
ΔH
-136.0 kJ/mol
Catalyst
Pt, Pd, or Ni

Related Reactions

Aldol Condensation of Acetaldehyde Amide Formation (Acetic Acid + Ammonia) Baeyer-Villiger Oxidation Beckmann Rearrangement (Cyclohexanone Oxime) Bromination of Ethylene Buchwald-Hartwig Amination Cannizzaro Reaction of Formaldehyde Claisen Condensation (Ethyl Acetate) Condensation Polymerization (Nylon 6,6) Cope Rearrangement

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Catalytic Hydrogenation of Ethylene?
The balanced equation is: C₂H₄ + H₂ → C₂H₆.
What type of reaction is Catalytic Hydrogenation of Ethylene?
Catalytic Hydrogenation of Ethylene is a organic reaction.
Is Catalytic Hydrogenation of Ethylene exothermic or endothermic?
Catalytic Hydrogenation of Ethylene is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -136.0 kJ/mol.
What conditions are needed for Catalytic Hydrogenation of Ethylene?
This reaction requires a catalyst (Pt, Pd, or Ni).