Catalytic activity of transition elements

Transition elements are good homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts. This is because they are able to form numerous oxidation state and are able to form unstable intermediate compound during a reaction providing an alternative route with a lower activation energy.

Vanadium (v) oxide

V2O5 is used in oxidation of SO2 to SO3 in contact process( industrial manufacture of Sulphuric (VI) acid ) . Vanadium v oxide loses an O atom which reacts with SO2 absorbed on it’s surface and is converted to SO3 . The V2O4 formed picks up an O atom from air in the reaction vessel to form back to V2O5.

Nickel catalyst

Finely divided nickel can absorb large quantities of hydrogen at high temperatures , it is used in hydrogenation process of alkenes to alkanes( 150⁰C – 250⁰C ) and also in manufacture of margarine( 180⁰C) ( changing of oil to fat ) .

Platinum (Pt) catalyst

Used in preparation of formaldehyde HCHO from CH3OH and in decomposition of hydrogen peroxide.

Cobalt (ii) salts

They catalyse the decomposition of bleaching powder ( ClO–) as Cobalt (ii) salts are easily oxidized to cobalt (iii) salts .

• Assumptions of the kinetic molecular theory of ideal gas .
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