Hydrogen generation
About catalytic hydrogenation
Catalytic hydrogenation is one of the most important transformations in the chemical industry today. Heterogeneously catalyzed hydrogenations are used among others for the following transformations:
- Double or triple bond reductions
- Nitro-group reduction
- Debenzylation reactions
- Heterocycle saturations
- Dehalogenation reactions
- Desulphurization reactions
- Asymmetric hydrogenations
Hydrogenations are routinely performed using batch technology. However, there are many disadvantages of these reactions:
- The use of hydrogen cylinders is a hazard.
- The catalysts themselves can be pyrophoric, making addition or filtration of these catalysts hazardous.
- The degassing of solvents and purging of the reactor with inert gases makes the reactions overcomplicated.
- The mixing of hydrogen with solvent and catalyst is poor, leading to long reaction times.
The combination of all these disadvantages means chemists seek to avoid this useful transformation. At ThalesNano, we developed the H-Cube reactors and the H-Genie hydrogen generators to ensure hydrogenation is again utilized in the lab in a safe and easy manner.
The H-Genie® hydrogen generators
The H-Genie® gas generators utilize patented technology to produce 4.0 purity hydrogen gas from water at pressures up to 50/100 bar (1450 psi) and flow rates up to 1 L/min. These system are designed to be used in any laboratory as safe replacements for hydrogen cylinders, and to expand your chemistry capabilities.
The H-Cube® series hydrogenation reactors
Utilizing our patented, award winning hydrogen generation technology, hydrogenation can be performed safely in a standard laboratory fume hood at temperatures and pressures up to 150°C and 100 bar, respectively. Our systems are capable of operating at scales from milligrams to grams. The method of flowing a stream of compound through a packed catalyst bed increases the interaction between the three phases, increasing reaction rates by orders of magnitude and making it more effective and economical. Reactions can progress in minutes and results can be achieved much faster than with the traditional methods.
