Answer» - d-block elements or transition metals and their compounds or complexes influence the rate of a chemical reaction and hence act as catalysts.
- In homogeneous catalysis a catalyst forms an unstable intermediate compound which decomposes into products and regenerates the catalyst. But transition metals involve heterogeneous catalysis.
- The transition metals have incompletely filled d-subshells which adsorb reactants on the surface and provide a large surface area for the reactants to react.
- Since transition metals have variable oxidation states they are very good catalysts.
- Hence, compounds of Fe, Co, Ni, Pt, Pd, Cr etc are used as catalysts in many reactions.
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