CIEC Catalysis

introduction

Introduction

E-mail the Catalysis site: schoolscatalysis@iac.org.uk

Catalysis is astonishing. Very small quantities of the most active catalysts can convert thousands or millions of times their own weight of chemicals.

Equally astonishing is just how selective they can be. A catalyst may increase the rate of only one reaction out of many competing reactions.

Over 80% of industrial processes involve catalysts, and half the elements in the periodic table are involved one way or another in catalytic systems.

The chinese symbol for catalyst is the same as the one for marriage broker.

Catalysts bring reactants together in a way that makes reaction more likely.

Berzelius

Catalysts break down the barriers preventing reaction.