Question

Which of the following is not true for acid base catalysis?

(a) Bases catalyze the reaction by accepting a proton

(b) Bases increases the reaction rate by increasing the nucleophilic character of the attacking group

(c) To make reactants proximal to each other

(d) Specific hydroxide ion catalysis of reaction in water is an example of this type of catalysis

I had been asked this question during an interview.

I want to ask this question from Mechanism of Enzyme Catalysis topic in portion Enzyme Assay & Enzyme Catalysis of Enzyme Technology

Answer 1

Right option is (c) To make reactants proximal to each other

Explanation: “To make reactants proximal to each other.” This is true for catalysis by approximation, and not acid base catalysis. Following statements are true for acid base catalysis:

• Bases catalyze the reaction by accepting a proton, whereas acids by donating a proton.

• Bases increases the reaction rate by increasing the nucleophilic character of the attacking group.

• Specific hydroxide ion catalysis of reaction in water is an example of this type of catalysis. The rate law will have two terms: unanalyzed rate and hydroxide catalyzed term.