Wilkinson's catalyst is a homogeneous hydrogenation catalyst for alkenes and alkynes. Learn how it works, how to prepare it, and how it shows syn addition and diastereoselectivity in hydrogenation reactions. Discover what the Wilkinson catalyst is, its structure, mechanism, and key applications in organic chemistry—ideal for students. The first step of this catalytic cycle is the cleavage of a PPh 3 to generate the active form of the catalyst followed by oxidative addition of dihydrogen. Wilkinson's catalyst is a rhodium complex that catalyzes the hydrogenation of alkenes and alkynes. Learn about its structure, preparation, properties, mechanism, stereochemistry, drawbacks and applications in this article.
