Free interactive chemistry · SIM-SURF-002
Heterogeneous catalysis (hydrogenation)
Hydrogenation of an alkene on a nickel surface, step by step.
Open the interactive simulation →How to use this simulation
- Choose “Catalysis”.
- Press “Next step” to move through the five steps.
- Watch H₂ split on the surface and the H atoms add to the alkene.
What to notice
- The surface weakens the H–H and C=C bonds, lowering the activation energy.
- Both H atoms add to the same face (syn addition).
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Why are powdered catalysts better than a solid block?
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