Catalysis 

A catalyst is a substance which alters the rate of a chemical reaction but is chemically unchanged at the end of the reaction.

When two different molecules collide with each other, they might react to make new chemicals. How fast a chemical reaction is depends upon how frequently the molecules collide. Catalysts increase the chance of molecules colliding. There are two ways in which catalysts work:
  • Adsorption
  • The formation of intermediate compounds.

Adsorption:

This occurs when a molecule sticks onto the surface of a catalyst. The reactant molecules are first adsorbed onto the surface of the catalyst. As the two molecules are held so close together, it is more likely that they will collide and therefore, react with each other. Once the reaction has occurred, the new compound leaves the catalyst surface, and so the catalyst remains unchanged.

 

 

Intermediate Compounds:

Many catalysts, including all enzymes work by forming intermediate compounds. The chemicals involved in the reaction combine with the catalyst, making an intermediate compound. This new compound is very unstable. When the intermediate compound breaks down, it releases the new compounds and the original catalyst.

 

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