Catalysis: meaning, definitions and examples
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catalysis
[ˌkatəˈlɪsɪs ]
Definition
chemistry
The acceleration or retardation of a chemical reaction by a substance that is not consumed in the reaction. Catalysis involves an increase in the rate of reaction without being consumed in the reaction itself.
Synonyms
acceleration, facilitation, promotion.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| catalysis |
Used in scientific and chemical contexts to describe the process where a substance (catalyst) speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed.
|
| acceleration |
Refers to the general idea of speeding something up, can be used in various contexts including physics, business, and everyday speech.
|
| promotion |
Commonly used in business and marketing to denote the act of advancing or advertising something, such as a product, service, or person. It can sometimes have a negative connotation if overly aggressive.
|
| facilitation |
Used when referring to making a process or action easier or smoother, often in context of meetings, workshops, or general assistance.
|
Examples of usage
- The catalyst plays a key role in the catalysis of this reaction.
- Catalysis is essential in many industrial processes.
- The process of catalysis can significantly speed up chemical reactions.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'catalysis' comes from the Greek word 'katalusis', meaning 'dissolution' or 'loosening'.
- It was first used in a scientific context in the early 19th century, primarily to describe the way substances can speed up chemical reactions.
- The prefix 'cata-' means 'down' or 'against', indicating a change in the state of substances involved.
Science
- Catalysts can be found in nature, such as enzymes in our bodies that speed up digestion.
- Certain metal catalysts are essential in industrial processes, helping produce fuels and plastics more efficiently.
- The concept is crucial in both chemistry and biochemistry, as catalysts can lower the energy required for reactions.
Environmental Impact
- Catalysis plays a key role in reducing pollution, as catalytic converters in cars help convert harmful gases into less harmful substances.
- Research in green chemistry focuses on more sustainable catalysts to reduce waste and energy consumption.
- Biocatalysis uses natural substances, like enzymes, to promote environmentally friendly chemical reactions.
Applications
- Catalysts are widely used in the food industry, helping turn raw ingredients into complex flavors more quickly.
- In pharmaceuticals, catalysis can lead to the faster creation of life-saving drugs through advanced chemical processes.
- The oil refining industry heavily relies on catalytic processes to transform crude oil into usable fuels.
Historical Significance
- The famous chemist Friedrich Wilhelm Ostwald was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1909 for his work on catalysis.
- The development of catalytic processes revolutionized the chemical industry, allowing for mass production of various substances from the early 20th century onwards.
- World War II saw significant advancements in catalysis, particularly in synthetic rubber production, which was vital for military supplies.
Translations
Translations of the word "catalysis" in other languages:
🇵🇹 catálise
🇮🇳 उत्प्रेरण
🇩🇪 Katalyse
🇮🇩 katalisis
🇺🇦 каталіз
🇵🇱 kataliza
🇯🇵 触媒作用
🇫🇷 catalyse
🇪🇸 catálisis
🇹🇷 kataliz
🇰🇷 촉매 작용
🇸🇦 تحفيز
🇨🇿 katalýza
🇸🇰 katalýza
🇨🇳 催化作用
🇸🇮 kataliza
🇮🇸 hvötun
🇰🇿 катализ
🇬🇪 კატალიზი
🇦🇿 kataliz
🇲🇽 catálisis