Question

Transition elements or their compounds act as catalysts. Explain why.

Hint:

Catalytic activity of transition metals is mainly due to variable oxidation states and availability of vacant or partially filled \(d\)-orbitals.

Answer 1

Step 1: Transition elements possess variable oxidation states. This allows them to easily accept or donate electrons during a chemical reaction.
Step 2: They have partially filled \(d\)-orbitals, which enable the formation of temporary intermediate complexes with reactant molecules.
Step 3: Formation of such intermediates provides an alternative reaction pathway with lower activation energy.
Step 4: Due to these properties, transition metals increase the rate of reaction without being consumed.