The interaction between transition metal surfaces and simple diatomic molec
ules such as CO may lead to breaking and making chemical bonds and trigger
important surface catalyzed reactions. We discuss the most common surface i
nteraction and orientation models taking into consideration the behavior of
each transition metal, the influence of structure, bonding, and coordinati
on of the molecules. We emphasize the importance of the precursor tilled st
ate in the dissociation of diatomic molecules on transition metal surfaces,
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