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.

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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
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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. 

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