Green Chemistry and Catalysis

Catalysis

Catalysis is defined as the process by which a substance speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed or altered. Substances that can fulfil this remarkable feat are termed as catalysts. Apart from accelerating reactions, catalysts also have another important property i.e, they can influence the selectivity of the chemical reaction. Catalysts can be gases, solids or liquids but most commonly used industrial catalysts are liquids or solids.

Classification of catalysts:

• Homogeneous catalysts
• Heterogenized homogeneous catalysts
• Heterogeneous catalysts
• Biocatalyst