How Does Microscopic Reversibility Apply to Catalysis?
In the context of catalysis, microscopic reversibility implies that the catalytic cycle for the forward reaction must be mirrored by a cycle for the reverse reaction. This means that each elementary step in the catalytic pathway has a reverse counterpart. When a catalyst facilitates a forward reaction, it must also facilitate the reverse reaction if conditions are reversed. This concept is crucial for understanding reaction mechanisms and designing efficient catalysts.
