Catalyst vs Intermediate

[EmilyC_3D]

Is the main difference between a catalyst and an intermediate that one isn't used up in the reaction while the other is? If we see a molecule in one of the steps for a reaction that isn't used up but is also in the final reaction, does that always mean it was a catalyst?

[Rich Luong 1D]

You are correct that an intermediate is used up in a multi step reaction and a catalyst is not. Another notable difference between the intermediate and catalyst is that an intermediate is needed to continue a reaction while a catalyst is used to speed up the reaction. You wouldn't necessarily see a catalyst in the final overall reaction, but if during the steps you do notice it remaining intact throughout the processes, it will definitely be a catalyst.

[connie ma 3G]

i think so! catalysts speed up reactions by lowering the activation energy. theyre "present" during a reaction but arent really as "involved" in it since they are not consumed or produced as reactants or products. intermediates on the other hand are definitely part of the elementary reactions and they are produced in one step and then consumed in another.

[Danielle DIS2L]

Intermediates are the ones that are produced and consumed whereas catalysts are the ones that are consumed then produced.

[Lauren Mungo 1K]

catalysts are substances that are present, but not produced, and then used while intermediates are substances which are produced and then consumed

[Mina Tadros 3L]

Intermediates are produced in one step and later used in another step to help the reaction progress. Catalysts, on the other hand, are introduced into reactions to lower the activation energy and speed up the reaction.

[YuditGaribay3J]

How would you determine the catalyst and the intermediate of the reaction? If they show steps, how can you pick out the intermediates?

[Brandon McClelland3L]

Catalysts are not used up in the reaction, and are just used to lower the activation energy. Meanwhile, intermediates are often needed for the reaction to progess.

[Teti Omilana 1G]

Catalysts are present at the beginning and end of a reaction, intermediates are at the beginning of the reaction but used up by the end.

[kentbui1d]

Catalysts aren't used up in a reaction, but intermediates are.

[Anthony_Sandoval_1D]

Basically, a catalyst is not consumed in the reaction whereas intermediates will be present at the beginning of the reaction but eventually be consumed.

[Chloe Shamtob 2H]

You have the correct reasoning. Intermediates are produced then consumed in a reaction while catalysts continue to show up in the reactions.

[WS405590915]

Catalysts are not used up in the reaction, and are just used to lower the activation energy. Meanwhile, intermediates are often needed for the reaction to progess.

This was really helpful.

Thank you