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CATALYTIC PROPERTIES:-
A catalyst is a component that changes the rate of a reaction by guiding it down a
different path that requires less energy to activate. Catalysts are essential for
chemical processes to shift reaction steps and progress reasonably. Metals such as
platinum and nickel make excellent catalysts because they adsorb strongly
enough to hold and activate the reactants while allowing the products to escape.
The reaction of ethene and hydrogen in a nickel catalyst is the most basic
example.
The rate of chemical reaction increase by decrease in energy of activation of the
reactant. This decrease is caused by the catalyst, probably altering the path of
reaction.

A+B C [ABC] A-B + C

(reactants) (catalyst) (intermediate) (product catalyst)

(i), Bonds are formed between reactant molecules and atoms on the surface the
catalyst (first row transition metals uses 3d and 4s-electrons for bonding)

(ii)This results in the formation of reaction intermediates which provides the

lower activation energy and therefore, increases the rate of the reaction.
(iii)These reaction intermediates decompose to form the product and regenerate
the catalyst. Many transition metals are used as catalysts for reactions. Fe, Co, Pt,
Cr, Mn, etc., are the commonly used transition metal catalysts.

Types of Catalysts:-
There are four types of catalysts:
(1) homogeneous,
(2) heterogeneous (solid),
(3) heterogenized homogeneous
(4) biocatalysts.

The catalytic property of transition metals results from the

following factors: -

• Variable oxidation state: -

Transition metals generate unstable intermediate compounds with the help of an
inconsistent oxidation state. These medium molecules open a new path for the
reaction with lower activation energy.
• Large surface area: -
When transition metals or their compounds are finely split, it gives a large
surface area for the adsorption of reactants, resulting in a faster reaction due to
tighter contact.
Transition metals and their compounds are essential industrial and biological
catalysts. Transition metals are excellent catalysts due to their availability of 3d
and 4s electrons and their ability to change oxidation state. A solid transition
metal catalyst with reactants in liquid or gas phases means that the catalyst is
different from the reactants. Transition metals can establish weak bonds with
reactants using electrons from the complexion (ligand) surface’s 3d and 4s
orbitals. Once the reaction has occurred on a metallic exterior, these connections
can break, releasing products Many transition metals and their compounds have
catalytic properties. These metals can function as catalysts because they can
utilize both d and s electrons for the formation of bonds between reactant
molecules and the surface catalyst atoms. This increases the concentration of the
reactants at the catalyst surface and weakens the bonds in the reactant molecules
with the result that the activation energy is lowered. Compounds of transition
metals are able to act as catalysts because of the ease with which the metal can
adopt different oxidation states and also because of their ability to form
complexes, thus they readily form intermediates.

Catalytic property of 3d series elements also explained as

follow:-
i) Due to variable oxidation states of transition metals they can absorb and re-
emit a wide range of energies. Thus, they can provide necessary activation
energy.

iii) Transition metals possess free valencies on the surface. Hence, they can
adsorb the reacting molecules.
Thus, the concentration of the reactants increases on the surface. This
increases the rate of reaction.
Many transition elements show catalytic activity
Metalloenzymes are biological catalysts that require metal ions for their activity.
Nitrogenase enzyme contains Fe and Mo, haemoglobin contains Fe (II) and
Ribonuleotide reductase consists of Co
Many transition metals and their compounds have catalytic
properties. Some of the more important ones are listed
here:-

TiCl3 :- Used as the Ziegler-Natta catalyst in the production of polythene.

V2O5:- Converts S02 to SO3 in the Contact process for making H2SO4.

MnO2:- Used as a catalyst to decompose KCIO3, to give O2.

Fe:- Promoted iron is used in the Haber-Bosch process for making NH3.
FeCl3:- Used in the production of CCl4, from CS2 and Cl2.

FeSO4 and H2O2:- Used as Fenton's reagent for oxidizing alcohols to

aldehydes.
PdCl₂:- Wacker process for converting C2H4 + H2O + PdCl2 to CH3CHO +
2HCl + Pd.
Pd:- Used for hydrogenation (e.g. phenol to cyclohexanone).

Pt/PtO:- Adams catalyst, used for reductions.

Pt:- Formerly used for SO2-> SO3 in the Contact process for making H2SO4

Pt:- Is increasingly in three stage-convertors cleaning car exhaust fumes.

Pt/Rh:- Formerly used in the Ostwald process for making HNO3 to oxidize NH3
to NO.
Cu:- Is used in the direct process for manufacture of (CH 3 ) 2 SiCl2 used to
make silicones.
Cu/V:- Oxidation of cyclohexanol/cyclohexanone mixtures to adipic acid which
is used to make nylon-66.
CuCl2:- Deacon process of making Cl2 from HCI.

Ni:- Raney nickel, numerous reduction processes (e.g. manufacture of

hexamethylenediamine, production of H2 from NH3 reducing anthraquinone to
anthraquinol in the production of H2O2)
In some cases the transition metals with their variable valency may form unstable
intermediate compounds. In other cases the transition metal provides a suitable
reaction surface.
Enzymes are catalysts that enhance the rates of specific reactions. They are
proteins and are produced by living cells from amino acids. They work under
mild conditions, often give 100% yields and may speed a reaction by 10 ^ 6 or 10
^ 12 times. Some enzymes require the presence of metal ions as cofactors, and
these are called metalloenzymes. Many (but not all) metallo- enzymes contain a
transition metal.

Future Prospects and Challenges in Transition Metal

Catalysis:-
(i).Green Catalytic Processes:-

Developing more sustainable catalytic methods is a key focus to minimize

environmental impact.
(ii).Complex Reaction Systems:-

The design of catalysts that can handle complex reaction systems is critical for
future advancements in catalysis.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the catalytic properties of transition elements are of immense significance in
various scientific and industrial fields. With their ability to facilitate a wide range of
reactions, transition metal catalysts have revolutionized processes in industries, biology, and
environmental science. By understanding the factors influencing their activity and exploring
emerging research directions, we can unlock the full potential of transition metal catalysis for
a sustainable and prosperous future.