High specificity can be achieved through various means:
1. Enzymatic Catalysis: Enzymes are natural catalysts known for their high specificity. They possess active sites that precisely fit the substrate, facilitating the correct reaction pathway. 2. Homogeneous Catalysis: In this type of catalysis, catalysts are in the same phase as the reactants, usually in solution. Homogeneous catalysts can be tuned at the molecular level to enhance specificity. 3. Heterogeneous Catalysis: These catalysts are in a different phase than the reactants, often solid catalysts in liquid or gas-phase reactions. Specificity can be enhanced by tailoring the surface properties and active sites.
