Here’s a explanation of the difference:
Homogeneous Catalysis
- Catalyst and reactants are in the same phase (all liquid or gas).
- Works by forming temporary compounds with reactants.
- Example: H₂SO₄ helping acids and alcohols react.
- Good: Very effective and selective.
- Bad: Hard to separate the catalyst after reaction.
Heterogeneous Catalysis
- Catalyst and reactants are in different phases (usually solid catalyst with liquid or gas reactants).
- Reaction happens on the surface of the catalyst.
- Example: Iron helps make ammonia from N₂ and H₂ gases.
- Good: Easy to separate and reuse.
- Bad: Sometimes less selective.
In short:
- Same phase → homogeneous (hard to separate)
- Different phase → heterogeneous (easy to separate)