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Reduction of Alkenes: Asymmetric Catalytic Hydrogenation

Reduction of Alkenes: Asymmetric Catalytic Hydrogenation

Catalytic hydrogenation of alkenes is a transition-metal catalyzed reduction of the double bond using molecular hydrogen to give alkanes. The mode of hydrogen addition follows syn stereochemistry.
The metal catalyst used can be either heterogeneous or homogeneous. When hydrogenation of an alkene generates a chiral center, a pair of enantiomeric products is expected to form. However, an enantiomeric excess of one of the products can be facilitated using an enantioselective reaction or an...

Reduction of Alkenes: Catalytic Hydrogenation

Reduction of Alkenes: Catalytic Hydrogenation

Alkenes undergo reduction by the addition of molecular hydrogen to give alkanes. Because the process generally occurs in the presence of a transition-metal catalyst, the reaction is called catalytic hydrogenation.
Metals like palladium, platinum, and nickel are commonly used in their solid forms — fine powder on an inert surface. As these catalysts remain insoluble in the reaction mixture, they are referred to as heterogeneous catalysts.
The hydrogenation process takes place on the...

Catalysis

Catalysis

The presence of a catalyst affects the rate of a chemical reaction. A catalyst is a substance that can increase the reaction rate without being consumed during the process. A basic comprehension of a catalysts’ role during chemical reactions can be understood from the concept of reaction mechanisms and energy diagrams.

Heterogeneous Catalysis

Heterogeneous Catalysis

Heterogeneous catalysis involves a catalyst in a different phase from the reactants. It is a process where the catalyst and the reactants are in distinct phases, typically solid and gas or liquid.Most heterogeneous catalysts are metals, metal oxides, or acids. The list includes transition metals like iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), tungsten (W), silver (Ag), and copper (Cu). These metals possess partially vacant d orbitals that...

Chemiosmosis

Chemiosmosis

Oxidative phosphorylation is a highly efficient process that generates large amounts of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the basic unit of energy that drives many cellular processes. Oxidative phosphorylation involves two processes— the electron transport chain and chemiosmosis.
Electron Transport Chain
The electron transport chain involves a series of protein complexes on the inner mitochondrial membrane that undergo a series of redox reactions. At the end of this chain, the electrons...

Reduction of Alkynes to cis-Alkenes: Catalytic Hydrogenation

Reduction of Alkynes to cis-Alkenes: Catalytic Hydrogenation

Introduction
Like alkenes, alkynes can be reduced to alkanes in the presence of transition metal catalysts such as Pt, Pd, or Ni. The reaction involves two sequential syn additions of hydrogen via a cis-alkene intermediate.

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Updated: Mar 26, 2026

A Simple, Low-cost, and Robust System to Measure the Volume of Hydrogen Evolved by Chemical Reactions with Aqueous Solutions

A Simple, Low-cost, and Robust System to Measure the Volume of Hydrogen Evolved by Chemical Reactions with Aqueous Solutions

Published on: August 17, 2016

Self-assembling biomolecular catalysts for hydrogen production.

Paul C Jordan^1,2, Dustin P Patterson³, Kendall N Saboda²

¹Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47407-7102, USA.

Nature Chemistry

|January 22, 2016

Summary

Researchers created a new sustainable catalyst by encapsulating hydrogenase enzymes within a bacteriophage P22 capsid. This self-assembled nanomaterial shows promise for producing hydrogen fuel efficiently and safely.

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A Simple, Low-cost, and Robust System to Measure the Volume of Hydrogen Evolved by Chemical Reactions with Aqueous Solutions

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Hydrogen Production and Utilization in a Membrane Reactor

Hydrogen Production and Utilization in a Membrane Reactor

Published on: March 10, 2023

Area of Science:

Biomolecular engineering
Supramolecular chemistry
Sustainable catalysis

Background:

Protein-based compartments inspire novel catalytic materials.
Biodesign offers potential for sustainable fuel production, like hydrogen.
Bacteriophage P22 capsids can encapsulate biological components.

Purpose of the Study:

To design and create a self-assembled nanomaterial for sustainable hydrogen production.
To encapsulate and protect an active hydrogenase enzyme within a P22 bacteriophage capsid.
To demonstrate the utility of directed self-assembly for creating new catalytic systems.

Main Methods:

Co-expression of [NiFe]-hydrogenase (Echyd-1) and P22 coat protein in Escherichia coli.
Directed self-assembly of the P22 capsid around the hydrogenase.
Infrared spectroscopy to analyze the engineered material.
Assays to probe catalytic activity and enzyme protection.

Main Results:

Successfully encapsulated and protected an active hydrogen-producing and oxygen-tolerant [NiFe]-hydrogenase within the P22 capsid.
Demonstrated that the P22 capsid provides stability and protection to the encapsulated hydrogenase.
Confirmed the catalytic activity of the hydrogenase within the self-assembled nanomaterial.

Conclusions:

Combining biological function with directed supramolecular self-assembly creates novel materials for sustainable catalysis.
Engineered bacteriophage capsids serve as protective and stabilizing environments for enzymes.
This approach holds potential for developing efficient and robust biocatalytic systems for renewable energy.