Question

Why transition metals act as good catalyst ?

Hint:

Examples to remember: Iron (\(Fe\)) in Haber's Process for ammonia and Vanadium pentoxide (\(V_2O_5\)) in the Contact Process for sulfuric acid.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Catalysts work by providing an alternative reaction pathway with lower activation energy.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Transition metals are excellent catalysts due to:
1. Variable Oxidation States: They can lose or gain electrons easily, allowing them to form unstable intermediate compounds with reactants, which later decompose to yield products and regenerate the catalyst.
2. Adsorption: They provide a large surface area for reactant molecules to adsorb. Adsorption on the metal surface increases the local concentration of reactants and weakens the internal bonds of the reactants, facilitating the reaction.
3. Complex Formation: Their ability to form complex compounds also helps in bringing reactant molecules together.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The catalytic property is primarily due to variable valency and effective surface area.