What is the difference between hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis

Original: Padoa and Ponti. Lincei, 15, [5] ; Gazz. Kaufmann, Roger Adams. For example Organic Syntheses , Coll. Graham; Fryhle, Craig B. Organic Chemistry. ISBN Organic Chemistry 2 ed. Oxford University Press. Graham, A. Part III. Products from ring-opening of 1,2-epoxy-2,4,4-trimethylpentane". Journal of the Chemical Society Resumed : Enantioselective synthesis of S methylalkanols via bakers' yeast mediated reduction of 2-methyl 2-thiophene propenals".

The Journal of Organic Chemistry 57 7 : — This process is the basis of hydrotreatment of base oil which is carried out in refineries. What is difference between hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis? Simon Moore. Sep 16, Related questions What is hydrogenation of alkenes? Why does hydrogenation require a catalyst? How can I explain the mechanism for catalytic hydrogenation? However, if there is no catalyst, we need to provide very high temperatures for the reaction to proceed.

Hydrogenolysis is a chemical reaction in which chemical bonds undergo cleavage by hydrogen gas molecules. Further, this process includes the cleavage of both C-C bonds and C-heteroatom bonds. Here, the heteroatom is usually oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen etc. This reaction also requires catalysts such as palladium, Raney metals such as Raney nickel, etc. Hydrogenation occurs via the addition of hydrogen to reduce saturation without breaking any bond while hydrogenolysis occurs via single bonds undergo cleavage by hydrogen to reduce the heteroatoms in a compound.

Below infographic shows more information on the difference between hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis. Morales-Delarosa, S.