Catalysis (Section)When D2 reacts with ethylene (C2H4) in the presence of a finely divided...

Catalysis (Section)

When D2 reacts with ethylene (C2H4) in the presence of a finely divided catalyst, ethane with two deuteriums, CH2D—CH2D, is formed. (Deuterium, D, is an isotope of hydrogen of mass 2). Very little ethane forms in which two deuteriums are bound to one carbon (for example, CH3—CHD2). Use the sequence of steps involved in the reaction (Figure) to explain why this is so.

Figure Heterogeneous catalysis. Mechanism for reaction of ethylene with hydrogen on a catalytic surface.