Transition metals - catalysts

• What is a heterogeneous catalyst?

  A catalyst that is in a different phase from the reactants.
• What catalyst is used in haber process and the equation?

  N2 + 3H2 --> 2NH3

  • Fe catalyst (iron)
• What catalyst is used in hydrogenation of alekens?

  Ni catalyst
• What is the overall equation for hydrogenation of alkenes?

  C2H4 + H2 --> C2H6
• What is the catalyst used in the contact process?

  V2O5
• What is the overall equation for the contact process?

  2SO2 + O2 <--> 2SO3
• What are the equations for the contact process where V2O5 acts as a catalyst?

  1. SO2 + V2O5 --> SO3 + V2O4
  2. 2V2O4 + O2 ---> 2V2O5
• Why is the reaction between (S2O8)2- and I- so slow?

  High activation energy due to the two negative ions repelling each other.
• What is the overall equation for the reaction between (S2O8)2- and I-

  S2O8 (aq) + 2I- (aq) ---> 2(SO4)2- + I2
• What are the equations when Fe2+ is used as a catalyst in the reaction between peroxodisulfate ions and iodine ions?


  1. 2(Fe)2+ + (S2O8)2- --> 2(Fe)3+ + 2(SO4)2-
  2. 2(Fe)3+ + 2I- --> 2(Fe)2+ + I2
• What is an auto catalyst ?

  Occurs when the product in the reaction acts as a catalyst for the reaction
• What is the equations for the reaction of MnO4- and (C2O4) 2-

  2MnO4- + 5(C2O4)2- --> 2Mn2+ + 10CO2 + 8 H2O
• Which ion catalyses the reaction of MnO4- and (C2O4)2- ?

  Mn2+ ions which are formed in the reaction
• What are equations when the Mn2+ ions are used as a catalyst ?

  1. 4Mn2+ + MnO4- + 8H+ --> 5Mn3+ + 4H2O
  2. 2Mn3+ + (C2O4)2- --> 2Mn2+ + 2CO2
• Why can group 1 and 2 elements not act as a homogeneous catalyst?

  They do not have variable oxidation states.