Mechanical Catalysis: Methods of Enzymatic, Homogeneous, and Heterogeneous Catalysis

The authoritative reference on time–dependent (mechanical) catalysis, as employed by many enzymes and sought in their man–made mimics This book examines the principles of mechanics as they apply to chemistry and, more particularly, catalysis. It?s a unique, comprehensive resource focusing on unconventional time–dependent (mechanical) catalysis, instead of the more familiar energy–dependent (thermodynamic) catalysis. To help practitioners envision how catalyst–reactant dynamism leads to time–dependent catalysis, it: Demonstrates the existence of two fundamentally different forms of "reaction–limited" catalysis, namely time–dependent (mechanical) and energy–dependent (thermodynamic) catalysis Describes their physical manifestation in heterogeneous and homogeneous systems Shows how many enzymes use time–dependent catalytic reactions Unravels the mystery of enzymatic catalysis, including: the fundamental processes at work, the origin of its general and physical features, the way it has evolved, and how it relates to catalysis in man–made systems Unifies homogeneous, heterogeneous, and enzymatic catalysis, and explains how the thirty or so general theories of enzymatic catalysis are knit together into a conceptually coherent whole Describes how to authentically mimic the underlying principles of enzymatic catalysis in man–made systems, including: the design requirements for such catalysts, the difficulties in duplicating the natural process, and the approaches that may be used to overcome these challenges Describes the role of catalysis in the emerging field of complex systems science A key resource for chemists, biochemists, and chemical engineers, this is also a reference for students of complex systems science and researchers in a variety of fields, including economics, evolution, weather forecasting, traffic management, and networking.