Difference between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis?

Answer 1

Homogeneous catalysis is used over heterogeneous for the following reasons 1)There are more complicated catalytical sites (chemically and geometrically) which gives improved selectivity to a certain product 2) The catalysts are usually in solution and so access to the reagents is easier so there is improved activity and milder reaction conditions can be used. 3) Another advantage of the catalysts being in solution is that the heat transfer for highly exothermic or endothermic reactions is not a problem 4)Mechanisms are better understood.

Advantage of heterogeneous catalysis is that the catalyst is usually solid and therefore is easier to extract and recycle.

Answer 2

A homogenous catalyst is in the same phase as the reactancts. A heterogenous catalyst is in a different phase to the reactants. For example, if all the starting materials in the reaction were liquids and you were using a liquid catalyst, then this would be homogenous catalysis. Other examples include the action of gaseous chlorine atoms to break down gaseous ozone in the atmosphere. In industry, heterogenous catalysts are generally used. This is often in the form of solid metals like iron and gaseous reactants. Metals are good catalysts are usually solid, so any time you use a metal catalyst you will have heterogenous catalysis as the reactants won't also be solids.

Answer 3

Heterogenous catalysts are at a different phase from reactants and products. But homogeneous catalysts are in the same phase as the reactant and the product.

Eg:

Acetals in the presence of an acid like HCl in liquid phase gives Ketones.

The presence of solid Platinum in Hydrogen Peroxide catalyzes the decomposition to a faster rate.

Answer 4

A heterogeneous catalyst is a solid not mixed with the chemical reactants.
A homogeneous catalyst is a liquid mixed with the chemical reactants.

Answer 5

homo