Homogeneous reactions of hydrogen compared with those of other gases

Abstract

Three general methods for the activation of molecular gases in homogeneous solution are presented. Two of the mechanisms are considered in some detail for hydrogen uptake and evolution. It is concluded that while the metal M, and its ligands L, are undoubtedly important separate variables in activation, it is also necessary to consider the ease of change of redox state, and the ease of change of geometry, of the complex ML_n on uptake of the gas molecule. The analysis of hydrogen activation is extended to oxygen and nitrogen reactions.