Green Chemistry Principles - Atom Economy

The video uses a cake analogy to explain the concept of atom economy in chemical reactions, emphasizing the importance of including all reactant atoms in the final product to minimize waste. It highlights the law of conservation of mass and the efficiency of reactions with high atom economy. A challenge is presented involving the hydrogenation of an alkene, demonstrating a reaction with 100% atom economy and the role of catalysts in improving efficiency.

What is the product of hydrogenating an alkene like hex-2-ene in the presence of a metal catalyst?

Discuss the role of a catalyst in the hydrogenation reaction mentioned in the text.