The name given to any chemical which increases the rate of a chemical reaction is a "catalyst".
Explanation
- A catalyst is a substance that increases the speed or rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed or undergoing permanent change itself.
- It works by providing an alternative reaction pathway with lower activation energy, thus making the reaction proceed faster.
- Catalysts do not change the overall products or the equilibrium position of the reaction; they only affect the rate at which equilibrium is reached.
- Examples include iron in the Haber process for ammonia synthesis and vanadium pentoxide in the oxidation of sulfur dioxide.
In some contexts, catalysts that specifically increase the rate are also called positive catalysts.
