Question

Transform the following word equation into balanced chemical equation and write at least 3 changes that occur at molecular level during this chemical change.

2-Methylpropene + Hydrogen \(\overset{catalyst}\longrightarrow\) Isobutane

Answer 1

Three changes which occur at molecular level include :

Step 1 : 

Adsorption of reactants: Reactants (alkene and hydrogen) get adsorbed on the catalytic surface.

Step 2 : 

Formation of a product : 

Hydrogen atoms are added across the double bond of 2-methylpropene which results in the formation of product isobutane.

Step 3 : 

Desorption : 

Product formed on the catalytic surface is readily desorbed making catalytic surface available for other molecules.