Question

Why do transition metals and their compounds show catalytic activities?

Hint:

- Cu$^+$ undergoes disproportionation, making CuCl$_2$ more stable in aqueous solution. - Fe$^{3+}$ is coloured due to d-d transitions, whereas Sc$^{3+}$ and Zn$^{2+}$ are colourless. - Potassium dichromate is obtained from sodium chromate via acidification and reaction with KCl. - Transition metals act as catalysts due to variable oxidation states and large surface area.

Answer 1

The catalytic activity of transition metals and their compounds stems from three key properties:
- The ability to display multiple oxidation states, which facilitates the formation of intermediate complexes during chemical reactions.
- The capacity to adsorb reactant molecules onto their surface, thereby accelerating reaction rates.
- The presence of a substantial surface area that offers numerous active sites essential for catalysis.