Abstract
The effects of various organic and inorganic complex-forming reagents on the homogeneous catalytic activation of H2 by Cu++ in aqueous solution have been determined. The catalytic activities of the cupric complexes decrease in the order: butyrate, propionate > acetate > SO4 > Cl > H2O (i.e. the uncomplexed Cu++ ion) > glycine, ethylenediamine. The mechanism of the activation process is discussed.