Definition of Catalyst

A catalyst is a molecule that facilitates the conversion of a starting material into a product, often instilling specific orientation in the product. Catalysts are important because they allow chemists to create complex products quickly and efficiently. A catalyst is neither formed nor depleted in the course of a reaction and can be used in small quantities because it can be recycled many times over the course of the reaction. A catalyst works by lowering the activation energy barrier that must be overcome to convert between starting material and product. Enzymes are proteins that act as naturally occurring catalysts.

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