Question

Transition metals make the most efficient catalysts because of their ability to:
A.adopt multiple oxidation states and to form complexes
B.form colored ions
C.show paramagnetism due to unpaired electrons
D.form a large number of oxides

Answer 1

A catalyst is a substance that alters the rate of a chemical reaction without itself being permanently chemically changed. The various catalysts which we can find in reactions are like the compound of vanadium ${V_2}{O_5}$, iron, palladium, nickel, etc.

Complete step-by-step answer: One of the properties that d block elements show is catalytic property. They act as a catalyst in many reactions. We do many reactions in organic and inorganic chemistry and there these d block elements act as a catalyst. We need to understand why this property is attributed to the d block element such as ${V_2}{O_5}$, $Mo$ and $Pt$. There are two reasons why d block elements act as a catalyst.
The reasons behind this are:
Variable oxidation states: we already know that d block elements can take various oxidation states and these various oxidation states help them to act as a catalyst. Normally these d block elements react with the reactants and form stable intermediate and thus provide a lower energy pathway for the reaction to happen.
Large surface area: d block element provides a large surface area where these reactant molecules go and they are adsorbed and when they are absorbed these reactants form weak metal bonds with the metals and now the other reactant molecule goes and interacts with adsorbed reactant and reaction happens.
Transition metals make the most efficient catalysts because of their ability to adopt multiple oxidation states and to form complexes.

So the correct answer for this question is an option A.

Note: We should be clear with the fact that catalyst will chemically change (though temporarily) e.g. change in ligand or oxidation state or another bonding arrangement, but will return to its original state often via a 2-3 stage 'catalytic cycle'. Transition metals have a large surface area which basically enhances its property as a catalyst.