Catalysts can facilitate proton transfer by providing a suitable environment for the proton to move between reactants. Acidic or basic sites on the catalyst surface can donate or accept protons, lowering the activation energy of the reaction. For instance, in acid catalysis, a proton donor like a Brønsted acid can facilitate the addition of a proton to a substrate, enhancing the reaction rate. In base catalysis, the catalyst can abstract a proton from the substrate, generating a reactive intermediate.
