Why are Control Experiments Important in Catalysis?
In the context of catalysis, control experiments are crucial for several reasons:
Validation of Results: They verify that the catalytic activity and selectivity observed are genuinely due to the catalyst and not other experimental conditions. Identification of Side Reactions: Control experiments can help identify and quantify any side reactions that may occur during the catalytic process. Mechanistic Insights: They provide insights into the reaction mechanism by isolating specific steps or intermediates. Reproducibility: Ensuring that results are reproducible is a fundamental aspect of scientific research, and control experiments play a key role in this process.
