Question

What is meant by 'shape selective catalysis'?

Answer 1

A catalytic reaction which depends upon the pore structure of the catalyst, on the size of the reactant and the product molecules is called shape selective catalysis. Shape-selective catalysis is important for synthesis of organic chemicals and for processing of petroleum fractions and fuels.

For example, catalysis by zeolites is called shape selective catalysis. The pore size in zeolites ranges from 260-740pm. Thus, molecules having pore size more than this cannot enter the zeolite and undergo the reaction.