substrate

https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.S06082
A chemical species, the reaction of which with some other chemical reagent is under observation (e.g. a compound that is transformed under the influence of a catalyst). The term should be used with care. Either the context or a specific statement should always make it clear which chemical species in a reaction is regarded as the substrate.
See also: transformation
Sources:
PAC, 1993, 65, 2291. 'Nomenclature of kinetic methods of analysis (IUPAC Recommendations 1993)' on page 2298 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199365102291)
PAC, 1994, 66, 1077. 'Glossary of terms used in physical organic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1994)' on page 1169 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199466051077)