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The d- and f-Block Elements
Catalytic Properties of Transition Elements
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Concepts tested
- Variable oxidation states and catalysis
All Questions
2003 AIPMT 1 question
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Which one of the following characteristics of the transition metals is associated with their catalytic activity :Transition metals and their compounds are good catalysts mainly because they can show variable oxidation states and can form unstable intermediate compounds.
By changing their oxidation state, they provide a new reaction path of lower activation energy. Example: $Fe^{3+}$ catalyses the reaction between iodide and persulphate:
$2Fe^{3+} + 2I^- \rightarrow 2Fe^{2+} + I_2$, then $2Fe^{2+} + S_2O_8^{2-} \rightarrow 2Fe^{3+} + 2SO_4^{2-}$
They also provide a surface for adsorption (e.g. Fe in the Haber process, Ni in hydrogenation, $V_2O_5$ in the contact process).
High enthalpy of atomisation, paramagnetism and colour are other properties, but they are not the cause of catalytic activity.
So catalytic activity is associated with variable oxidation states.