Question

Explain the theory of homogeneous catalysis with the help of a suitable example.

Answer 1

Homogeneous catalysis occurs when the catalyst and reactants are in the same phase, usually liquid or gas. The catalyst forms an intermediate with the reactant, which quickly decomposes to provide the product and regenerates the catalyst.

Example: In the lead chamber process, NO (gas) catalyzes the oxidation of SO₂ (gas) to SO₃ (gas):

\[\ce{2SO2 + O2 ->[NO] 2SO3}\]

Here, all substances are in the same gaseous phase.