How do catalysts contribute to simplifying reaction conditions?
Catalysts are substances that increase the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. They can provide alternative reaction pathways with lower activation energies, thereby allowing the reaction to proceed under milder conditions. For example, using a heterogeneous catalyst can simplify separation processes, as the catalyst can be easily removed from the reaction mixture. Similarly, homogeneous catalysts can offer high selectivity, reducing the need for complex purification steps.
