What Role Do Reactant Molecules Play in Catalytic Mechanisms?
In catalytic mechanisms, reactant molecules play a crucial role in determining the pathway of the reaction. For instance, in heterogeneous catalysis, the reactants must diffuse to the catalyst surface, adsorb, react, and then desorb as products. In homogeneous catalysis, the reactant molecules and the catalyst are in the same phase, often leading to different reaction intermediates and pathways.
