Inertness is crucial for several reasons: 1. Stability: Inert materials ensure that the catalyst remains stable throughout the reaction, thereby maintaining its efficiency and selectivity. 2. Longevity: Catalysts that are inert tend to have a longer lifespan because they are not consumed or altered during the reaction. 3. Purity: Inert catalysts help in achieving high purity of the products as they do not introduce any impurities into the reaction mixture.