Explain why transition metals and their compounds act as good catalysts.
Transition metals and their compounds are effective catalysts due to:
- Variable Oxidation States: They can readily change oxidation states, facilitating reactions.
- Surface Area: Transition metals can provide a surface on which reactant molecules can be adsorbed. This increases the concentration of reactants at the surface and weakens the bonds in the reactant molecules, lowering the activation energy of the reaction.
- Complex Formation: The ability to form complexes with reactants brings them closer together, promoting reactivity.