Jöns Jakob Berzelius is credited with discovering and defining catalysis.
While certain catalytic processes had been observed previously, Berzelius was the first to identify and define catalysis as a distinct phenomenon. In 1835, he coined the term "catalysis" from the Greek words "kata," meaning "down," and "lyein," meaning "to loosen." Berzelius described catalysis as a force that could awaken affinities and cause chemical reactions without the catalyst itself undergoing any permanent change.
His work laid the foundation for the systematic study of catalysis and its applications in chemistry. Although he did not understand the mechanism of how catalysis worked at the molecular level, his definition and recognition of the phenomenon were groundbreaking. He observed that certain substances could speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process, and he recognized the importance of this observation.
It's important to note that before Berzelius, observations of catalytic-like phenomena existed. However, Berzelius was the one who formalized the concept and gave it a name, thus establishing catalysis as a field of study.
Therefore, while others may have observed instances of catalysis, Jöns Jakob Berzelius is recognized as the discoverer and definer of the concept.
