10.1016/0021-9517(63)90005-8
This research investigates the double bond migration and racemization that occur during the hydrogenation of optically active alkenes, aiming to understand the factors influencing these processes and their relationship with the addition reaction. The study utilized several optically active alkenes, including 3,7-dimethyl-1-octene, 3-phenyl-1-butene, and 3-methyl-1-hexene, as well as various catalysts such as palladium-charcoal, platinum oxide, and Lindlar catalyst. The results indicate that double bond migration is primarily responsible for the racemization observed during hydrogenation, with the extent of racemization being significantly influenced by the type of catalyst used, with palladium catalysts causing more racemization than platinum oxide. The presence of bases like potassium hydroxide or pyridine was found to markedly reduce the rate of double bond migration and thus the extent of racemization. The study concludes that the racemization of alkenes during hydrogenation is predominantly due to double bond migration, and the rate of this migration, and consequently racemization, can be controlled by the choice of catalyst and the presence of certain bases.