How Does Substrate Structure Affect Catalytic Activity?
The structure of the substrate plays a significant role in determining its interaction with the catalyst. Factors such as the size, shape, and electronic properties of the substrate can influence the catalytic activity. For example, bulky substrates may have difficulty accessing the active sites of a catalyst, leading to lower reaction rates. Similarly, electronic characteristics such as electron-donating or electron-withdrawing groups can affect the adsorption and activation of the substrate on the catalyst surface.