Why is selectivity crucial in catalytic reactions?
Selectivity is the ability of a catalyst to direct a reaction towards a specific product, minimizing by-products. High selectivity is essential for cost-effective and environmentally friendly processes. Achieving selectivity requires a deep understanding of reaction mechanisms and the design of catalysts with precise active sites. This challenge is compounded when dealing with complex feedstocks or multi-step reactions, where controlling the pathway to the desired product is difficult.
