Why Are Late Transition Metals Effective Catalysts?
Late transition metals are effective catalysts due to their unique electronic properties. They have partially filled d-orbitals that can engage in various types of chemical bonding and interactions. This allows them to form complex intermediates with reactants, thereby lowering the activation energy of the reaction. Their ability to adopt multiple oxidation states and coordinate with different ligands also contributes to their versatility and effectiveness in catalysis.
