Homogeneous catalysis [Examples]

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman Shamil | Last updated: February 3, 2024

Homogeneous catalysis:

In this type of catalysis, phase of the catalyst and the reactants are same (e.g., all are in the liquid phase). For example

  • The reaction between hydrogen and chlorine in the presence of sunlight, which produces hydrogen chloride is a type of homogenious catalysis.

some  important  points of  homogeneous catalysis are given below :

  1. Homogeneous catalysis happen when the catalyst and reactants are in the same phase, usually in the liquid phase.
  2. The catalyst and the reactants made a solution or a mixture, and the catalyst works by shifting the rate of the reaction without altering the alignment of the mixture.
  3. The catalyst commonly forms short term intermediate complexes with the reactants, which reduces the activation energy  needed for the reaction to occur.
  4. Homogeneous catalysis is broadely used in organic chemistry, especially in the preparation of complex organic molecules, such as
  • Drugs
  • Fragrances
  • and polymers.
  1. Examples of homogeneous catalysts include transition metal complexes, such as
  • Wilkinson’s catalyst (RhCl(PPh3)3)
  • and Grubbs’ catalyst (RuCl2(PCy3)2=CHPh).
  1. Homogeneous catalysis can be sensitive to reaction situation, such as
  • temperature
  • and pressure

and can sometimes form unwanted side products.

  1. Homogeneous catalysis can be more effective than heterogeneous catalysis because the catalyst is evenly distributed throughout the reaction mixture, letting for better interaction with the reactants.
  2. Homogeneous catalysis can also be used in industry to
  • reduce the energy required for a reaction

which can lead

  • to cost savings
  • and improved sustainability.