Orders in catalyst greater than one can be attributed to several different reaction mechanisms. Differentiating among these possibilities requires careful analysis of their rate laws, rational experiment design and accurate measurement of the progress of the reactions. We have compiled the most popular mechanisms proposed for reactions with an order in catalyst greater than one and derived their steady-state rate laws. We have analysed the rate laws and proposed experiments to discern between mechanisms. Finally, we have examined 100 case studies that showcase good practices to propose robust mechanisms and to avoid common pitfalls.
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