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Homogeneous catalysts are in the same phase as the reactants, while heterogeneous catalysts are in a different phase.
Homogeneous catalysts are typically used in solution, where the catalyst and reactants are all in the same phase. An example of a homogeneous catalyst is the use of acid catalysts in the production of esters. In this reaction, the acid catalyst is in the same phase as the reactants, and it helps to speed up the reaction by lowering the activation energy required.
Heterogeneous catalysts, on the other hand, are typically used in a different phase than the reactants. An example of a heterogeneous catalyst is the use of platinum in the catalytic converter of a car. In this reaction, the platinum is in a solid phase, while the reactants are in a gaseous phase. The platinum helps to speed up the reaction by providing a surface for the reactants to adsorb onto and react.
Overall, both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts play important roles in many chemical reactions. Homogeneous catalysts are often used in solution, while heterogeneous catalysts are used in a different phase than the reactants. Understanding the differences between these two types of catalysts is important for understanding how they work and how they can be used in different applications.
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