Mechanistic models help answer several fundamental questions about catalytic processes:
1. How does the catalyst work? By identifying the specific steps involved in the reaction, researchers can understand the role of the catalyst in lowering the activation energy and increasing the reaction rate.
2. What are the intermediate species? Mechanistic models often reveal the intermediate compounds formed during the reaction, which are crucial for understanding the overall pathway and identifying potential bottlenecks.
3. How can the reaction be optimized? With a clear mechanistic model, it becomes easier to identify conditions that maximize efficiency, selectivity, and yield.
