Wilkinson’s catalyst

chemical compound

Also known as: chlorotris

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July 15, 2026

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Wilkinson's catalyst is a homogeneous hydrogenation catalyst for alkenes, discovered by Sir Geoffrey Wilkinson. This organometallic compound plays a significant role in both organic and inorganic chemistry and has found important industrial applications.1

Catalysts, like Wilkinson's, are substances that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed. Wilkinson's catalyst specifically facilitates the addition of molecular hydrogen (H₂) across the double bond of an alkene. This process is crucial in various chemical syntheses, including the production of pharmaceuticals. Wilkinson's work on metallocenes and metal-to-hydrogen bonding earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1973.21

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Sir Geoffrey Wilkinson
…bonding, particularly his discovery of Wilkinson’s catalyst, a homogeneous hydrogenation catalyst for alkenes, had widespread significance for organic and inorganic chemistry and proved to have important industrial applications.
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…bonding, particularly his discovery of Wilkinson’s catalyst, a homogeneous hydrogenation catalyst for alkenes, had widespread significance for organic and inorganic chemistry and proved to have important industrial applications.
Read More