Catalytic Acitivity Of Transition Metals And Their Compounds

Question 1

What is a heterogenous catalyst?

Answer 1

A catalyst in a different state to the reactants

Question 2

What is a homogenous catalyst?

Answer 2

A catalyst in the same state as the reactants

Question 3

How can transition metals be a heterogenous catalyst?

Answer 3

The transition metal surface can form temporary bonds with the reactants, weakening their bonds, because it has available 4s and 3d electrons which is can use to form weak bonds to the reactant molecules. Once the reaction has occurred these bonds break, releasing the product molecules.

Question 4

How can transition metals be a homogenous catalyst?

Answer 4

Aqueous transition metal ions catalyse an aqueous reaction. This reaction is often a redox reaction and the transition metal ion uses its ability to change oxidation state to catalyse the reaction.