spontaneous or not? Catalyst help or no?

Question

The reaction between hydrogen gas and carbon to produce the gas known as ethylene is 2H2(g)+2C(s) -> H2C=CH2(g), delta G=+16.3kcal/mol(+16.3kcal/mil)at 25 degrees celsius.  Is this reaction spontaneous at 25 degrees Celsius? Would it be reasonable to try to develop a catalyst for the reaction run at 25degrees Celsius? explain.

Answer 1

The free energy change (ΔG) for this reaction is +16.3 kJ/mol, therefore, it is a non spontaneous reaction at 25^oC. ΔG is positive for non-spontaneous reactions and negative for spontaneous reactions.

Catalysts enhance the reaction rate by lowering the activation energy, and do not play any role in changing the non-spontaneity of the reactions.