Iron is used as a catalyst in the Haber process, and this catalytic ability of transition metals is largely due to
- A. their high density
- B. their ability to change oxidation state and to adsorb reactants onto their surface
- C. their low melting points
- D. the complete absence of d electrons
Explanation
Variable oxidation states allow a transition metal to accept and release electrons during a reaction, providing an alternative pathway of lower activation energy, and the partly filled d orbitals let gases bond weakly to the metal surface so that their bonds are stretched and weakened. Vanadium pentoxide in the Contact process and nickel in hydrogenation work in the same ways. Density and melting point have nothing to do with it.
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