acid-base catalysis

Acid-base catalysis is a chemical process that speeds up reactions by adding an acid or a base. In this context, an acid donates protons (H⁺ ions), while a base accepts them. This change can make a reaction easier by stabilizing the reactants or intermediates, allowing them to interact more effectively. For example, acids can help break chemical bonds or make molecules more reactive, while bases can help remove protons or change molecular structure. This type of catalysis is common in biological systems and industrial processes, improving efficiency and selectivity in chemical reactions.