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Equilibrium and catalysts

n a reversible reaction where lower temperatures favour the forward reaction, could using a catalyst allow you to use a lower temperature which would favour the forward reaction more? Without a catalyst higher temperatures would be required so the forward reaction would be less favoured and the reverse reaction would be favoured? So does the catalyst allow you to use lower temperatures which therefore favours the forward reaction more than could be possible without a catalyst?


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Pigster
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Lowering the temperature increases the yield (assuming it has an exothermic forward reaction).

If you didn't use a catalyst, but did it at the low temp, you'd have a high yield, but it'd take a long time to reach equilibrium.

Increasing the temp. would increase the rate, but decrease the yield.
Original post by Pigster
Lowering the temperature increases the yield (assuming it has an exothermic forward reaction).

If you didn't use a catalyst, but did it at the low temp, you'd have a high yield, but it'd take a long time to reach equilibrium.

Increasing the temp. would increase the rate, but decrease the yield.


But does using a catalyst allow you to use a lower temperature therefore allow yield to be increased?


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Original post by anoymous1111
But does using a catalyst allow you to use a lower temperature therefore allow yield to be increased?


Posted from TSR Mobile


Catalysts cannot change the position of equilibrium, they can help you reach the position of equilibrium more rapidly.

Use of a catalyst allows equilibrium establishment at a lower temperature with a more favourable equilibrium position then, yes, in this circumstance you can increase the yield.

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