Question

Which one of the following alkenes will react laster with H₂ under catalytic hydrogenation conditions?

(R = alkyl substituent)

Answer 1

The correct option is: (a)

Explanation:

The relative rates of hydrogenation decrease with the increase of steric hindrance. In order of stability of alkene, most stable the alkene slowly it gives the product.

Hence alkene which will react faster with H₂ is that which is most unstable.