Homogenous Catalysts

Question 1

How do catalysts work

Answer 1

They work by changing oxidation states which is why transition metals are very good catalysts

They will accept or donate electrons to oxidise or reduce a substance

Question 2

How do homogeneous catalysts work

Answer 2

They work in the same phase as the reactants
It will be oxidised by one reactant then reduced by the other

Question 3

Why does a homogeneous catalysts energy profile have 2 peaks

Answer 3

Because the catalyst is first reduced or oxidised then the reverse happens

Question 4

What is an auto catalytic reaction

Answer 4

The reaction will speed up over time
The reactants concentration will decrease
However the production of the catalyst will outweigh this therefore increasing rate of reaction

Question 5

What is an example of a catalytic reaction woth a homogeneous catalyst

Answer 5

Uncatalysed reaction
S2O82- + 2I > I + 2SO42-

S2O8(2-) + Fe2+ > Fe(3+)2SO4(-2)
Iron ion is first oxidised
It is then reduced by Iodide to regenerate Fe2+
Fe(3+) + 2I- > Fe2+ + I2