Catalysts

[pHysiX]

I have just a simple question.

In the reaction of salicylic acid and ethanoic anhydride, sulfuric acid is added. This is a catalyst and is not a reactant.

My question is:
How do we prove that it is a catalyst?

I was thinking of reacting the salicylic acid and ethanoic anhydride normally and note the time for the reaction to be complete.

Thanks heaps in advance =]

[TrueTears]

I was thinking of reacting the salicylic acid and ethanoic anhydride normally and note the time for the reaction to be complete.

You are thinking exactly the same thing as me atm. LOL

[iamdan08]

...and perhaps that it is not consumed in the reaction.

[iamdan08]

Another way you could further prove it was a catalyst is that the change in enthalpy of the reaction would be the same, since catalysts only affect the activation energy. You could measure this by measuring the energy released before and after it was added.

[Gloamglozer]

I think you can prove it was a catalyst by titrating the catalyst.  Don't quote me on it but I'm just putting it out there on the table.

[pHysiX]

i've talked to a few people and i think the best way is to:

do the reaction without catalyst and note the time.
then we can do a titration to verify the amount of catalyst in the solution.

thanks guys for the help =]