How Do Reactant Properties Affect Catalytic Activity?
Activation Energy Reactant properties can influence the activation energy required for the reaction. A catalyst works by lowering the activation energy, but the extent to which this is possible depends on the reactants’ intrinsic properties. Understanding these properties allows for better catalyst design.
Reaction Mechanism The nature of the reactants can dictate the reaction mechanism. For example, the presence of certain functional groups may lead to a different pathway, affecting the overall reaction rate and selectivity. Catalysts can be tailored to favor specific mechanisms, enhancing efficiency.
Adsorption and Desorption The ability of reactants to adsorb onto and desorb from the catalyst surface is crucial. Strong adsorption may lead to high local concentrations of reactants, increasing reaction rates. However, excessively strong adsorption can hinder desorption of products, reducing catalyst efficiency. Balancing these interactions is key to effective catalysis.
