Characteristics of catalysis

Characteristics of catalysis :

• A catalyst remains unchanged in mass and chemical composition at the end of the reaction.
• A small quantity of the catalyst is generally sufficient to catalyze almost unlimited reactions.
• The catalyst can not initiate the reaction : The function of the catalyst is to alter the speed of the reaction rather than to start it.
• The catalyst can not change the position of equilibrium : The catalyst catalyze both forward and backward reactions to the same extent in a reversible reaction and thus have no effect on the equilibrium constant.
• The catalyst is generally specific in nature: A substance, which acts as a catalyst for a particular reaction , fails to catalyze the other reaction , different catalysts for the same reactant may for different products.
• Catalyst poisoning: Catalyst poisoning refers to the effect that a catalyst can be 'poisoned' if it reacts with another compound that bonds chemically to its active surface sites. See Catalyst poison
• A positive catalyst lowers the activation energy.