Metal catalysts, especially transition metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium, are widely used in industry for hydration reactions. These metals can adsorb reactants onto their surfaces, thereby facilitating the breaking and forming of bonds. For example, in the catalytic hydration of acetylene to acetaldehyde, mercury(II) salts are often used as catalysts. The metal catalyst provides a surface for the reaction to occur more readily, significantly increasing the reaction rate.
