Generally, in organic chemistry, is it advisable and/or necessary to memorize the catalysts of reactions. For example, H2 reacts with alkenes to produce alkanes in the presence of transition metal catalysts. (commonly: Pt, Pd, Ru, Ni).

 

Do these need to be memorized, and how does this apply to other reactions not just reduction of alkenes.

 

 

 

It really depends on your course requirements as to what you need to remember. As a general rule, it is nice to try and remember them. Different metals are more suited for different purposes, so perhaps it might even be worth your while learning reasons behind why certain metals are used for certain reactions.

I know remembering catalyst, their type and their effect becomes sometime quite confusing. But for some inorganic and organic reactions knowledge about catalysts is very much necessary.

There are different catalysts used for different categories of reaction and their reaction conditions is necessary to remember if you are doing some masters degree or PhD in chemistry.

Edited October 14, 201114 yr by Maryjane