The reaction of the alkene, ethylene, with H2 produces ethane as a product.  However, the reaction is incredibly slow in the absence of a catalyst, such as platinum metal.    What is the role of the catalyst in speeding up the reaction? Raising the activation energy by breaking the bonds of hydrogen molecules. By bringing together the hydrogen atoms and alkene on the same metal surface, thereby lowering the activation energy. By decreasing the number of reactive inermediates. By increasing the equilibrium constant for the reaction.

Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...
icon
Related questions
icon
Concept explainers
Question
100%

The reaction of the alkene, ethylene, with H2 produces ethane as a product.  However, the reaction is incredibly slow in the absence of a catalyst, such as platinum metal.    What is the role of the catalyst in speeding up the reaction?

  • Raising the activation energy by breaking the bonds of hydrogen molecules.
  • By bringing together the hydrogen atoms and alkene on the same metal surface, thereby lowering the activation energy.
  • By decreasing the number of reactive inermediates.
  • By increasing the equilibrium constant for the reaction.
Expert Solution
Step 1

The metal catalyst, in hydrogenation reactions, acts as a surface on which the reaction takes place. This increases the rate by putting the reactants in close proximity to each other, facilitating interactions between them. 

And a catalyst increases the rate by decreasing the activation energy of a reaction. 

steps

Step by step

Solved in 3 steps with 1 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Catalysis and Enzymatic Reactions
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, chemistry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305957404
Author:
Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781259911156
Author:
Raymond Chang Dr., Jason Overby Professor
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305577213
Author:
Douglas A. Skoog, F. James Holler, Stanley R. Crouch
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9780078021558
Author:
Janice Gorzynski Smith Dr.
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305079373
Author:
William L. Masterton, Cecile N. Hurley
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781118431221
Author:
Richard M. Felder, Ronald W. Rousseau, Lisa G. Bullard
Publisher:
WILEY