Illustrated Glossary of Organic Chemistry

Catalyst: A substance that increases reaction rate by altering the reaction mechanism. A true catalyst is regenerated at some point in the reaction mechanism, and need only be present in substoichiometic amount. In addition, a true catalyst does not alter ΔG or K_eq for the reaction.

This catalytic hydrogenation reaction is catalyzed by platinum.


This bromination reaction follows the electrophilic aromatic substitution mechanism, and is catalyzed by FeBr₃.