Catalysis by acids or bases in solution is said to be
specific when the only observable catalytic effects are those due to the ions formed
from the solvent itself (e.g. if when water is the solvent the only observable
catalysis is that due to the
H+ and
OH− ions).
Source:
PAC, 1996, 68, 149
(A glossary of terms used in chemical kinetics, including reaction dynamics (IUPAC
Recommendations 1996))
on page 150