How would you account for the fact that the transition metals and their compounds are found to be good catalysts in many processes ?

How would you account for the fact that the transition metals and thei

1.	How would you account for the fact that the transition metals and their compounds are found to be good catalysts in many processes ?
Answer» Solution :According to activated complex theory ( intermediate compound formation theory ), DUE to variable oxidationstates, transition metal combines with THEREACTANT `//`s to forma an intermediate ( an UNSTABLE species ) called activated complex whichi finally decomposes to form the products regenerating the catalyst. `underset("Reactant")(A) + underset("catalyst")(C) rarr underset("(Intermediate)")underset("Activated complex")([AC]) rarr underset("Product")(B) + underset("Catalyst")(C)` The REACTION proceeds through a new path with lower activation energy and hence is faster. According to adsorption theory, transition metal provides a large surface are with free valencies on which the reactants are adsorbed. As a result , the concentration of the reactants on the surface increases and hence the rate increases.