Performing this experiment allowed students to use a relatively
simple coordination complex to catalyze an oxidation
reaction that does not occur in the absence of catalyst. Students
enjoy making the complex and then using it to accomplish
another chemical transformation rather than simply making a
complex for its own sake. Students experience not just using a
catalyst to accomplish a desired synthesis, but also study the
catalyst itself and take part in determining the optimum reaction
conditions, much as they would if they were beginning to study a
newly discovered catalyst. Given the quantity of data generated
across the entire class, students also have an opportunity to
develop an in-depth discussion of the reaction.