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).
See: catalysis, general acid catalysis, general base catalysis
Source:
PAC, 1996, 68, 149. 'A glossary of terms used in chemical kinetics, including reaction dynamics (IUPAC Recommendations 1996)' on page 150 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199668010149)