Question

The catalytic activity of transition metals and their compounds is mainly due to ______.

Options

• their magnetic behaviour

• their unfilled d-orbitals

• their ability to adopt variable oxidation state

• their chemical reactivity

Answer 1

The catalytic activity of transition metals and their compounds is mainly due to their ability to adopt variable oxidation state.

Explanation:

Transition metals can readily change oxidation states and thus accept or donate electrons to form unstable intermediates that lower activation energies, which is central to their catalytic action. They also have partially filled d‑orbitals that help adsorb/activate reactants, but the variable valency is the primary reason.