Hydrogenation catalysts are indispensable inputs in different manufacturing processes, but especially in the production of fuels and important chemicals. These reaction-boosting substances are mainly used to facilitate the addition of hydrogen to unsaturated compounds, consequently causing the saturation of bonds and the formation of new products.
In this post, we’ll look closely at what hydrogenation is and the roles hydrogenation catalysts play in manufacturing.
What is Hydrogenation?
In organic chemistry, hydrogenation is the addition of hydrogen to unsaturated hydrocarbons in the presence of a catalyst like nickel or palladium to facilitate the formation of saturated hydrocarbons. You can also define it as the addition of molecular hydrogen to double or triple bonds to form a single bond.
In real-life applications, industries source catalysts for hydrogenation from renowned providers like Applied Catalysts to facilitate processes such as manufacturing trans fats or refining oil.
Types of Hydrogenation Catalysts
Different types of hydrogenation catalysts exist, each suitable for certain applications. They are typically categorized into homogenous and heterogenous catalysts.
1. Heterogenous Catalysts
These are catalysts that exist in a different phase from that of the reactants. At least one of the reactants will interact with the solid surface of these catalysts in a process called adsorption resulting in the breaking of chemical bonds in the reactant.
In hydrogenation, the heterogenous catalysts are typically metal catalysts like nickel, platinum, or palladium supported on a solid material like alumina or carbon. The reason for having a supporting material is to increase the surface area, enhancing the catalytic activity of the substance as a whole.
2. Homogenous Catalysts
Homogenous catalysts are catalysts that exist in the same phase as the reactants in a chemical reaction. In this case, the catalysts will be soluble in the reaction medium, thus they are typically used for liquid-phase reactions.
Popular examples are rhodium complex (fondly known as Wilkinson’s catalyst) and iridium complex (Crabtree’s catalyst). These two are favored a lot in industrial applications for their high levels of activity and selectivity.
What’s the Role of Hydrogenation Catalysts in Manufacturing?
The main role of hydrogenation catalysts in manufacturing processes across different industries is to facilitate the easier breaking of double and triple bonds without necessarily driving up temperatures to abnormally high levels.
They are useful in the following industries:
1. Chemical Industry
Hydrogenation catalysts play a major role in supporting the production of chemicals and providing a selective pathway to enable the creation of specific/desired chemicals. By creating milder conditions for reactions to occur, these catalysts also make it possible to have fewer by-products, ensuring higher yields of the targeted chemicals.
2. Food Industry
Hydrogenation catalysts are used in the food industry to convert liquid vegetable oils into solid or semi-solid fats that are used in confectionery products, margarine, and shortening.
3. Oil Refining Industry
Petroleum refineries also use hydrogenation catalysts in the refining processes of crude oil, making it possible to remove impurities and increase the quality of fuels.
4. Pharmaceutical Industry
In pharmaceutical industries, hydrogenation catalysts are used to support the reaction processes that saturate organic mixtures with hydrogen molecules to extend their shelf life or modify their properties.
Engage Applied Catalysts for Seamless Hydrogenation
Hydrogenation is a crucial process in chemical, oil refining, food, and pharmaceutical industries, but for the best results, you ought to be using the right catalysts.
By engaging the team at Applied Catalysts to determine the best catalysts for your processes, you will get the desired results and access to much-needed expert support for as long as you need it.
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