Describe the catalytic hydrogenation of ethene gas.

A chemical process refers to a method or means of somehow changing one or more chemicals or chemical compounds. Such a process can occur by itself or can be caused by an outside force, and involves a chemical reaction of some sort. In our case, the catalytic hydrogenation of ethene gas is a prime example of a chemical process where the structure of a molecule is altered.Chemical processes have been harnessed extensively in the industry to produce a vast array of products that are beneficial to humanity, from the synthesis of drugs to the creation of plastics. In the classroom, understanding these processes helps students grasp the principles of chemistry that govern the world around us.

The reaction mechanism is the step-by-step sequence of elementary reactions by which overall chemical change occurs. In the hydrogenation of ethene, the mechanism includes several key steps, initiated by the adsorption of ethene and hydrogen molecules onto a catalyst surface, followed by the hydrogen splitting and reacting with ethene, and ultimately leads to the production of ethane, accompanied by the desorption of the final product from the catalyst.

• Adsorption: Ethene (C₂H₄) and hydrogen (H₂) molecules are drawn to and adhere to the catalyst's surface.
• Activation: Hydrogen molecules are activated by the catalyst and split into individual atoms.
• Reaction: Each hydrogen atom bonds to one of the carbon atoms in the ethene, converting the double bond into single bonds and transforming into ethane (C₂H₆).
• Desorption: Ethane molecules leave the catalyst surface, which is now available for the next cycle of the reaction.

The details of this mechanism are crucial for students to understand how catalysts influence chemical reactions.

Hydrocarbon hydrogenation is the chemical reaction that results in the addition of hydrogen (H₂) to the unsaturated bonds in hydrocarbons, typically alkenes and alkynes. This reaction converts unsaturated hydrocarbons, which have double or triple bonds, into saturated hydrocarbons, with single bonds only.This process is widely used in the chemical industry, for example, in turning vegetable oils into margarine or making various petrochemicals. The high value of this process stems from its ability to create more stable hydrocarbons that are typically less reactive and often have desirable properties such as higher melting points.

Catalysis is the process of using a substance, known as a catalyst, to increase the rate of a chemical reaction. Catalysts function by lowering the activation energy needed for a reaction to occur, without being consumed or altered permanently during the process. In essence, they offer an alternate pathway for a reaction to take place.There are two types of catalysts: homogeneous catalysts that are in the same phase (gas or liquid) as the reactants, and heterogeneous catalysts that are in a different phase. In the case of ethene hydrogenation, the catalyst typically used is a metal in the solid state, such as palladium, platinum, or nickel, making it a heterogeneous catalyst. The choice of catalyst can deeply impact the efficiency and selectivity of the reaction.

Adsorption and desorption are two fundamental phenomena in catalytic reactions. Adsorption is the process by which atoms, ions, or molecules from a gas, liquid, or dissolved solid adhere to a surface. In our scenario, this is the initial step where the ethene and hydrogen molecules adhere to the catalyst's surface, enabling the reaction to occur. In turn, desorption is the process by which these same substances are released from the surface after the reaction has taken place.Understanding these concepts is vital for students as they highlight the catalyst's role. It acts as a temporary host for the reactants, assisting in breaking and forming bonds, and finally, releases the product to regenerate its active sites for the reaction to continue. The interplay between adsorption and desorption dictates the overall efficiency and turnover rate of the catalytic process.