What is the process for converting an alkene to an alkane?

The conversion of an alkene to an alkane is effectively achieved through a hydrogenation reaction, which specifically involves the addition of hydrogen (H2) across the double bond of the alkene. This reaction commonly occurs in the presence of a catalyst such as platinum (Pt) or nickel (Ni), which facilitates the reaction by providing a surface for the hydrogen and alkene to interact.

During hydrogenation, the alkene’s carbon-carbon double bond is broken as hydrogen atoms are added to each of the carbon atoms involved in the double bond, resulting in the formation of a saturated alkane. This process is advantageous as it not only converts the double bond into a single bond, but it also effectively adds two hydrogen atoms, thereby increasing the saturation of the molecule.

Other methods such as using halogen acids (Hx) or oxidizing agents like potassium permanganate (KMnO4) do not achieve this transformation. Halogen additions create haloalkanes and oxidation reactions introduce oxygen functionality rather than adding hydrogen. A substitution reaction under UV light typically involves a different mechanism altogether, which is not suitable for converting alkenes to alkanes. Thus, the use of Pt/H2 or Ni/H2 as catalysts in an addition reaction represents the