The hydrogenation of CN on Pd(111) and Pd(100)

Adsorbed CN may be produced on Pd(111) and Pd(100) surfaces at RT by dissociative adsorption of cyanogen. HREELS measurements show that adsorbed CN forms adsorbed HCN or DCN on these Pd surfaces by reaction with H adsorbed from the residual gas or by dosing with H₂ or D₂. The reaction temperature is slighly lower for Pd(100) than for Pd(111), and the range of temperatures over which the reaction takes place much narrower. The reaction occurs on a time scale easily monitored with HREELS.