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.
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.
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 (hydroq…
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 no…
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CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA,
and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified
professionals before handling chemicals.
