How Do Structurally Similar Molecules Affect Catalysis?
The presence of different functional groups or substituents in structurally similar molecules can lead to variations in electronic properties, steric effects, and reactivity. These variations can influence the binding affinity of the catalyst to the substrate, the stability of intermediate species, and the overall reaction pathway. For instance, a small change in a functional group might make a catalyst more selective for a particular reaction or increase its turnover frequency.
