The Catalysts of Change: Catalysis in Chemistry
by Yuvi K - December 16, 2023
What is Catalysis in Chemistry?
Catalysis in Chemistry is the process of accelerating chemical reactions by adding a catalyst. A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed. Catalysts are essential in the development of products with improved performance and properties. It is important to have an understanding of how catalysts behave in a reaction in order to achieve better results.
Catalysis in Chemistry is divided into two categories – homogenous catalysis and heterogenous catalysis. In homogeneous catalysis, the catalyst and the reactants are all present in the same phase, usually in solution. In heterogeneous catalysis, the catalyst and the reactants are in different physical phases, such as solid or gas.
Catalysts have three main functions: (1) they reduce the amount of energy required to initiate and complete a reaction, (2) they increase the rate of a reaction, and (3) they can selectively favor one reactant or reaction-product over another in a multi-step reaction.
Types of Catalysts
Catalysts can be classified in a variety of ways. They can be divided into three main categories: (1) organic catalysts, (2) inorganic catalysts, and (3) enzyme catalysts.
Organic Catalysts
Organic catalysts are compounds containing carbon, such as acids, bases, and organometallic compounds. Organic catalysts are commonly used in the pharmaceutical and food industries to make drugs, flavorings, and other chemicals.
Inorganic Catalysts
Inorganic catalysts are compounds that do not contain carbon, such as metal oxides and metal salts. These catalysts are used in the petrochemical industry to produce fuels, plastics, and other industrial chemicals.
Enzyme Catalysis
Enzyme catalysis is a unique type of catalysis in which enzymes, which are proteins, act as the catalysts for particular biochemical reactions. Enzymes are the molecules that enable organisms to survive and reproduce. Enzymes catalyze biochemical reactions in living organisms by reducing the amount of energy required for a reaction to occur.
Real Life Examples of Catalysis in Chemistry
Catalysis in Chemistry plays an important role in our everyday lives. Catalysts are used in the manufacturing and production of a wide variety of products, ranging from fuels and plastics to drugs and food. Some examples of catalysts used in these processes include:
- Platinum and palladium catalysts are used in the production of nitric acid, which is used to make fertilizers, explosives, and synthetic fibres.
- Haber-Bosch process catalysts are used in the production of ammonia, which is used to make fertilizers, plastics, and explosives.
- Iron oxide catalysts are used in the production of ethylene glycol, which is used to make antifreeze.
- Ruthenium and nickel catalysts are used in the production of synthetic rubber.
- Palladium catalysts are used to produce hydrogen for fuel cells and other energy storage systems.
Conclusion
Catalysis in Chemistry is essential in the development of many products in various industries. Catalysts can increase the rate of a reaction, reduce the amount of energy required, or selectively favor one reactant or reaction-product over another. Examples of catalysts include organic compounds, inorganic compounds, and enzymes. The use of catalysts in Chemistry is an important tool in the advancement of many products and industries.
