Chemistry – Organic chemistry - Alkenes | e-Consult

Description of Reaction: Ethene undergoes hydrogenation when reacted with hydrogen gas (H₂) in the presence of a nickel (Ni) catalyst. The nickel catalyst promotes the addition of hydrogen to the carbon-carbon double bond. The reaction is typically carried out under moderate pressure (e.g., 30-60 atm) and at a moderate temperature (e.g., 50-100 °C). The catalyst is usually in the form of a finely divided nickel powder.

Chemical Equation:

C₂H₄(g) + H₂(g) ⇌ C₂H₆(g)

Observations: The reaction is exothermic, meaning heat is released. The gas will be bubbled through the solution and the product, ethane, will be collected. The reaction proceeds rapidly in the presence of the catalyst.

Structural Formulae:

• Ethene (Reactant): CH₂=CH₂
• Hydrogen (Reactant): H₂
• Ethane (Product): CH₃-CH₃