How did Wilhelm Ostwald’s research on reaction rates lead to his work on catalysis?

Wilhelm Ostwald’s transition into the study of catalysis was a direct outgrowth of his broader research into chemical dynamics and reaction velocities.

Initially, Ostwald attempted to use reaction velocities as a quantitative measure of chemical activity. However, he eventually determined that this approach was incorrect based on thermodynamic principles. This realization prompted him to conduct a broader investigation into the temporal aspects of chemical reactions, which led to a systematic conception of the field.

Through this work, Ostwald defined catalysts as substances that alter the velocity of a chemical reaction without modifying its energy factors. This was a significant scientific advancement because it implied that catalysts do not change the position of a reaction's equilibrium. By distinguishing catalysis from other phenomena like triggering and autocatalysis, he was able to measure catalytic activities effectively. This foundational research culminated in his most famous industrial contribution: the catalytic oxidation of ammonia to nitric acid, a process that remains essential to the production of fertilizers today.12