Q9(a)(ii). Alkene hydrogenation by Wilkinson’s catalyst
Explain the mechanism for hydrogenation of alkene by the Wilkinson's catalyst.
Answer in brief
PPh₃ dissociation → H₂ oxidative addition → alkene coordination → hydride migration → reductive elimination regenerates the Rh(I) catalyst.
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CoversWilkinson's catalystalkene hydrogenationcatalytic cycleoxidative additionmigratory insertionreductive elimination
All parts of Question 9
- 9(a)(i) Catalytically useful features of Wilkinson’s complex5 marks
- 9(a)(ii) Alkene hydrogenation by Wilkinson’s catalyst10 marks
- 9(b) Quadruple bonding in octachlorodirhenate15 marks