What is the Difference Between Lindlar and Rosenmund Catalysts?

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The main difference between Lindlar and Rosenmund catalysts lies in their composition and reaction types they are used for.

Lindlar Catalyst:

  • Composed of palladium deposited on calcium carbonate, typically supported on calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) or carbon (C).
  • Used for the selective hydrogenation of alkynes to cis-alkenes.
  • Palladium on calcium carbonate is poisoned with various forms of lead or sulfur to prevent further reduction.

Rosenmund Catalyst:

  • Composed of palladium deposited on barium sulfate (BaSO₄).
  • Used for the reduction of acyl chlorides to aldehydes.
  • Palladium on barium sulfate is poisoned with compounds like sodium acetate, N,N-dimethylaniline, thiourea, thiophene, dibenzothiophene, ethyldiisopropyl amine, or most commonly, quinoline.

Despite similar catalyst preparation procedures, the two reactions are catalyzed by different active sites. In summary, Lindlar catalyst is used for selective hydrogenation of alkynes to cis-alkenes, while Rosenmund catalyst is used for the reduction of acyl chlorides to aldehydes.

Comparative Table: Lindlar vs Rosenmund Catalysts

The main difference between Lindlar and Rosenmund catalysts lies in their composition and the reactions they are used for. Here is a table comparing the two catalysts:

Feature Lindlar Catalyst Rosenmund Catalyst
Composition Palladium on calcium carbonate (CaCO3) Palladium on barium sulfate (BaSO4)
Reaction Selective hydrogenation of alkynes to cis-alkenes Reduction of acyl chlorides to aldehydes
Poison Lead or sulfur Thiourea
Usage Prevents reduction of the alkene to an alkane Prevents over-reduction of aldehydes to alcohols

Both catalysts contain palladium as the active component, but the support material and the poison used are different. Lindlar catalyst is used for the selective hydrogenation of alkynes to cis-alkenes, while Rosenmund catalyst is used for the reduction of acyl chlorides to aldehydes.