Transition metals are often used as catalysts in the elemental form or as compounds
The ability of transition metals to form more than one stable oxidation state means that they can accept and lose electrons easily
This enables them to catalyse certain redox reactions. They can be readily oxidised and reduced again, or reduced and then oxidised again, as a consequence of having a number of different oxidation states of similar stability
There are two types of catalyst:
A heterogeneous catalyst is in a different physical state (phase) from the reactants
The reaction occurs at active sites on the surface of the catalyst
An example is the use of iron, Fe, in the Haber process for making ammonia
N2 (g) + 3H2 (g) ⇌ 2NH3 (g)
A homogeneous catalyst is in the same physical state (phase) as the reactants