Alkyne reduction to Alkane
Abstract
The full reduction of an alkyne to an alkane requires the addition of two equivalents of H2 (typically, an excess), breaking both 𝜋 bonds of the triple bond and yielding a saturated product.
Keywords
Alkyne, Reduction, Alkane
Category
Alkyne
Mechanism
The reaction proceeds via two successive syn hydrogenations on the catalyst surface. First, both the alkyne and H2 are absorbed onto the same face of the Pd catalyst surface. Then, the two hydrogen atoms are delivered to the same face of the triple bond (syn addition), forming the (Z)-alkene intermediate. This intermediate then re-adsorbs onto the catalyst surface and reacts with a second equivalent of H2, fully saturating the double bond and yielding the corresponding alkane.
