Question

Intermediate compound formation theory explains which of the following:
A. Homogenous catalysis
B. Heterogeneous catalysis
C. both of the above
D. none of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Check the mechanisms and the state of reactants and catalysts for both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. Both the reactants and catalyst are in the same phase in homogenous catalysis whereas in heterogeneous catalysis the reactants and the products are in different phases.

Complete answer:
Let us understand the theory behind catalysis.
Catalysts are substances that enhance or increase the rate of a chemical reaction and remain unchanged after the reaction. This process is known as catalysis.
There are two types of catalysis: homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis.
In Homogeneous catalysis, both the reactants and the catalyst are in the same phase hence accounting for the formation of intermediates during the process of the reaction. The Intermediate compound formation theory explains the mechanism of homogenous catalysis.
In Heterogeneous catalysis, the reactants and the catalyst are in different phases. Adsorption theory explains the mechanism of heterogeneous catalysis.

Therefore, intermediate compound formation theory explains homogenous catalysis i.e. option A.

Additional information:
According to intermediate compound formation theory, the catalyst forms an unstable intermediate compound with the reactants and this unstable intermediate is then decomposed to form our desired products. These types of reactions that involve a catalyst require less energy to complete the reaction process than those that do not involve any catalysts.

Note:
The reactants and the catalyst are in the same phase i.e. gas or liquid in homogeneous catalysis. The intermediate formed during the reaction either reacts with another reactant to form products or decomposes into the products and the initial catalyst.