ERIC Number: EJ1444376
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023-May
Pages: 6
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0021-9584
EISSN: EISSN-1938-1328
Microscale Catalytic Hydrogenation of Cyclopropane with Nanoparticle Palladium
Katie Cunningham; Mackenzie Enmeier; Grayson Huldin; Giorgio Bacchin; Kara Grossman; Grace Recker; Bruce Mattson
Journal of Chemical Education, v100 n5 p2080-2085 2023
Cyclopropane can be hydrogenated to produce propane under moderately high temperatures ([tilde]175 [degrees]C). Using a nanoparticle palladium catalyst, undergraduate students can explore the reaction and draw conclusions regarding the conditions for reaction. When deuterium is used, conclusions pertaining to the reaction mechanism are possible. The full complexity of the hydrogen--deuterium exchange equilibrium on the metal surface is indicated by the observation of all nine possible hydrogen-deuterium isotopologues, propane-dx (x = 0-8), as products. To think about the reaction mechanism, the unusual bonding in cyclopropane and its interactions with a metal surface are considered. Differences between cyclopropane and propane in terms of their physical and chemical properties are discussed. The use of this activity as a multisemester research project across all levels of undergraduate students is discussed in terms of logistics, expectations, and outcomes. The catalyst tube consists of nanoparticle palladium beads (0.5%) on alumina, is inexpensive and easy to construct, and lasts indefinitely. Product analysis is by mass spectrometry and [superscript 1]H NMR spectroscopy. Suggestions are provided for undergraduate exploration and inquiry-based research activities.
Descriptors: Undergraduate Study, Science Instruction, Chemistry, Science Activities, Research Projects, Student Research
Division of Chemical Education, Inc. and ACS Publications Division of the American Chemical Society. 1155 Sixteenth Street NW, Washington, DC 20036. Tel: 800-227-5558; Tel: 202-872-4600; e-mail: eic@jce.acs.org; Web site: http://pubs.acs.org/jchemeduc
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A