Catalysts

[Delaney Smith 1C]

How can you determine the catalyst by looking at the reaction? For example in 7E.5, how do you know the catalyst in this reaction?

[Julie Park 1G]

A catalyst will be present in the beginning of the reaction (in reactants) but will be consumed in the reaction and thus will not appear in the final product. In 7E.5, the hydroxide ion (OH-) serves as the catalyst since it's present in the reactant of step 1 and in the product of step 2 (cancelling each other out).

[Ariel Fern 2B]

Yes, essentially, a catalyst will be consumed as a reactant but reproduced again as a product in the final step. Thus, it cancels out and does not show up in the overall reaction. Just look at the products and reactants between steps; if a substance is consumed but reappears, then it is a catalyst! Hope this helps!

[Sydney Myers 4I]

It must be introduced as a reactant, as opposed to an intermediate, which is produced as a product first, then maybe used as a reactant. Catalysts also must reappear as products in equal amount as was inputted.

[Ayushi2011]

It is introduced as a reactant, and then produced as a product in the following equations showing that it remains unconsumed in the reaction.

[Norman Dis4C]

A catalyst is used up and formed and an intermediate is formed and used up.