Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Chemistry

Chapter

Physical: Chemical Kinetics

Question:

Which of the following statement is correct about catalyst?

Options:

Catalyst is required in large quantities to catalyse reactions

Same reactants may give different product by using different catalysts.

Catalytic activity of catalyst does not depend upon the strength of chemisorption.

A catalyst does not remains the same before and after the reaction

Correct Answer:

Same reactants may give different product by using different catalysts.

Explanation:

The correct answer is option 2. Same reactants may give different product by using different catalysts.

Catalysts are substances that accelerate chemical reactions by providing an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy. They facilitate reactions without being consumed themselves, which means they remain unchanged in chemical composition before and after the reaction. Let's delve deeper into the provided statement: (2) Same reactants may give different products by using different catalysts.

This statement highlights the importance of catalysts in determining the outcome of a chemical reaction. Here's why it's true:

1. Influence on Reaction Pathways: Catalysts can alter the mechanism or pathway by which a reaction proceeds. Different catalysts can promote various intermediate steps or transition states, leading to the formation of different products from the same starting materials.

2. Selective Catalysis: Catalysts can exhibit selectivity towards certain reactions or pathways, favoring the formation of specific products over others. This selectivity arises from the catalyst's ability to stabilize certain intermediates or transition states more effectively, thereby directing the reaction towards particular products.

3. Stereochemistry: Some catalysts can influence the stereochemical outcome of a reaction, leading to the formation of stereoisomeric products. By controlling the orientation of reactant molecules or intermediates, catalysts can determine the spatial arrangement of atoms in the final products.

4. Catalyst-Substrate Interactions: Catalysts interact with reactant molecules through adsorption on their surfaces. The nature and strength of these interactions can vary depending on the catalyst's properties, such as surface chemistry, morphology, and active sites. These interactions play a crucial role in determining the reaction kinetics and selectivity.

Overall, the choice of catalyst can significantly impact the outcome of a chemical reaction, allowing the same set of reactants to yield different products under different catalytic conditions. This versatility makes catalysts essential tools in organic synthesis, industrial processes, and various other applications where precise control over reaction outcomes is desired.