= Catalysis
{wiki}
<Catalysis> accelerates a <chemical reaction> by providing an alternative <reaction mechanism> with a more accessible barrier through its <transition states>. A <catalyst> participates in the route and is regenerated. At fixed <temperature>, <catalysis> changes how quickly <chemical equilibrium> is reached without changing the <equilibrium constant>; it does not make an unfavourable overall change in <Gibbs free energy> favourable. <Chemistry 2e by Paul Flowers and others>[§12.7, opening definition and Figure 12.19: alternative mechanisms and regeneration]{ref}<Chemistry 2e by Paul Flowers and others/13.3 Shifting Equilibria: Le Châtelier’s Principle>[§13.3, Effect of a Catalyst: equilibrium composition is unchanged]{ref}
In his 1909 lecture, <Wilhelm Ostwald> recalled the introduction of the term <catalysis> by <Jöns Jacob Berzelius> and emphasized measurable acceleration rather than merely naming an unexplained force. He also discussed <reaction intermediates> and participation of the <catalyst> in the steps whose sum gives the net <chemical reaction>. This is a participant's retrospective account, not evidence that every catalytic <reaction mechanism> is the same.<Nobel Lectures, Chemistry 1901–1921/On Catalysis>[On Catalysis, lecture dated 12 December 1909; paragraphs beginning “The factor which Berzelius regarded” and “It is appropriate here”; editorial footnote says the lecture was reconstructed from notes]{ref}
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