Inhibitor — Definition, Formula, Properties & Uses | AllChemicals | AllChemicals

Also Known As	Reaction inhibitor, antioxidant (radical inhibitor type), anticatalyst

What is Inhibitor?

A substance that decreases the rate of a chemical reaction. Enzyme inhibitors reduce enzymatic activity by binding to the active site (competitive) or elsewhere on the enzyme (non-competitive). Industrial inhibitors slow corrosion, polymerization, and other unwanted reactions.

Properties & Characteristics

An inhibitor is a substance that decreases the rate of a chemical reaction or enzymatic process without being consumed in stoichiometric amounts. Types: radical chain inhibitors (antioxidants like BHT, TEMPO scavenge radicals), enzyme inhibitors (competitive, non-competitive, irreversible), corrosion inhibitors (passivating metal surfaces or acting as cathodic/anodic inhibitors), and polymerisation inhibitors (hydroquinone in stored vinyl monomers).

Uses & Applications

Inhibitors are critical in: pharmaceutical development (drugs as targeted enzyme inhibitors), food preservation (BHA, BHT as radical chain reaction inhibitors in fats/oils), industrial corrosion protection (benzotriazole for copper, molybdate for steel), and safe storage of reactive monomers (hydroquinone, 4-methoxyphenol inhibit styrene, acrylate polymerisation).

Safety Information

Some inhibitors are themselves toxic: hydroquinone (possible carcinogen), BHA/BHT (debate on safety at high doses). Nerve agents are irreversible cholinesterase inhibitors — acutely lethal at microgram doses. Removal of polymerisation inhibitors from monomers can cause explosive polymerisation if not done under controlled conditions.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Inhibitor

Index All "I" terms

Synonyms Reaction inhibitor, antioxidant (radical inhibitor type), anticatalyst

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Inhibitor?

A substance that decreases the rate of a chemical reaction. Enzyme inhibitors reduce enzymatic activity by binding to the active site (competitive) or elsewhere on the enzyme (non-competitive). Industrial inhibitors slow corrosion, polymerization, and other unwanted reactions.

What is Inhibitor used for?

Is Inhibitor hazardous?

More "I" Terms

Ideal Gas Ideal Gas Law PV = nRT | R = 8.314 J/(mol·K) Ideal Solution Ideal solution: Raoult's law holds; ΔH_mix = 0, ΔV_mix = 0 Ideal Solution Indicator Visual pH/endpoint indicator; e.g., phenolphthalein: colourless (acid) → pink (base) Indicators Indium In Induced Dipole Induced dipole: α × E (α = polarisability; E = electric field) Inert Gas Inert S Pair Effect Infrared Spectroscopy IR: 4000–400 cm⁻¹; C=O at ~1720 cm⁻¹ Inhibition Ki = [I]×Km / ([S](Vm/v − 1))

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