The properties of tungsten carbide are similar to those of platinum. The synthesis of water from hydrogen and oxygen at room temperature, the reduction of tungsten trioxide by hydrogen in the presence of water, and the isomerisation of 2,2-dimethylpropane to 2-methyl butane are all catalysed by this catalyst. It has been proposed as a substitute for the iridium catalyst in satellite thrusters fuelled by hydrazine.