Natural products are important in catalysis for several reasons:
1. Diversity and Complexity: They offer a diverse range of complex molecular structures that can inspire the design of new catalysts. 2. Biocompatibility: Many natural products are biocompatible and biodegradable, making them environmentally friendly options. 3. Efficiency: Some natural products act as highly efficient catalysts in biochemical reactions. For example, enzymes, which are natural protein catalysts, exhibit remarkable specificity and efficiency.