Which property explains why transition metals and their complexes frequently act as effective heterogeneous catalysts?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Multiple oxidation states and vacant d-orbitals
- Step 1: Transition elements have partially filled orbitals and can adopt variable oxidation states.
- Step 2: This permits them to form temporary intermediate bonds with reactant molecules, lowering the activation energy barrier for heterogeneous catalysis.
Answer
Multiple oxidation states and vacant d-orbitals.
Why not the others: 'High ionic radius' is untrue as transition metal ions have relatively small radii; 'Low boiling points' is false as transition metals possess exceptionally high melting and boiling points; 'Low electronegativity' is characteristic of alkali metals, not transition catalysts.
Practise more General Physics and Physical Chemistry.
Free questions with an explanation for every one, and full timed Thanawiya Amma (Egypt) mock tests.
More General Physics and Physical Chemistry questions
- According to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction, what determines the magnitude of induced electromotive force (EMF) in a coil?
- Which transition in the hydrogen atom emission spectrum produces a spectral line in the visible region (Balmer series)?
- In a galvanic cell with zinc and copper electrodes, what reaction occurs at the copper cathode?
- What happens to the equilibrium position of the exothermic reaction when temper…
- In a series RLC circuit at resonance, what is the phase difference between the total voltage and the current?
- What is the functional group that distinguishes alcohols from other organic compounds?