Organic & Inorganic Chemistry

Catalysis of organic reactions

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Catalysed reactions have a lower energy (rate-limiting free energy of activation) than the corresponding un-catalysed reaction leading to a better reaction rate at a similar temperature and for similar chemical concentrations. However, the detailed mechanics of chemical change is complicated. Catalysts could affect the reaction atmosphere favourably or bind to the reagents to polarize bonds, e.g. acid catalysts for reactions of carbonyl compounds or type specific intermediates that don't seem to be created naturally like osmate esters in osmium tetroxide-catalysed hydroxylation of alkenes or cause dissociation of reagents to reactive forms like chemisorbed hydrogen in chemical action chemical action.