
This effect is readily seen by the effervescence of oxygen. Upon the addition of a small amount of manganese dioxide, the hydrogen peroxide reacts rapidly. This reaction is strongly affected by catalysts such as manganese dioxide, or the enzyme peroxidase in organisms. In fact, the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide is so slow that hydrogen peroxide solutions are commercially available. This reaction proceeds because the reaction products are more stable than the starting material. Illustrative is the disproportionation of hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen: The concept of catalysis was invented by chemist Elizabeth Fulhame, based on her novel work in oxidation-reduction experiments. The term "catalyst" is derived from Greek καταλύειν, katalúō, meaning "loosen" or "untie". Estimates are that 90% of all commercially produced chemical products involve catalysts at some stage in the process of their manufacture. Enzymes and other biocatalysts are often considered as a third category.Ĭatalysis is ubiquitous in chemical industry of all kinds. Catalysts generally react with one or more reactants to form intermediates that subsequently give the final reaction product, in the process regenerating the catalyst.Ĭatalysis may be classified as either homogeneous, whose components are dispersed in the same phase (usually gaseous or liquid) as the reactant, or heterogeneous, whose components are not in the same phase. If the reaction is rapid and the catalyst recycles quickly, very small amounts of catalyst often suffice mixing, surface area, and temperature are important factors in reaction rate. Catalysts are not consumed in the reaction and remain unchanged after it. It can also remove formaldehyde from the air.Ĭatalysis ( / k ə ˈ t æ l ə s ɪ s/) is the process of increasing the rate of a chemical reaction by adding a substance known as a catalyst ( / ˈ k æ t əl ɪ s t/). An air filter that utilizes a low-temperature oxidation catalyst to convert carbon monoxide to less toxic carbon dioxide at room temperature.
