Inhibitory Catalyst
What is Inhibitory Catalyst?
An inhibitory catalyst (or inhibitor) is a substance that decreases the rate of a chemical reaction by interfering with the catalytic mechanism, often by binding to the active site of a catalyst or enzyme, or by reacting with a reaction intermediate. Unlike a negative catalyst that merely slows the reaction, a true inhibitor may alter the reaction pathway entirely. Inhibitors are widely used in industrial chemistry to prevent unwanted side reactions, in pharmaceuticals as enzyme inhibitors, and in food preservation.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
An inhibitory catalyst (or inhibitor) is a substance that decreases the rate of a chemical reaction by interfering with the catalytic mechanism, often by binding to the active site of a catalyst or enzyme, or by reacting with a reaction intermediate. Unlike a negative catalyst that merely slows the reaction, a true inhibitor may alter the reaction pathway entirely. Inhibitors are widely used in industrial chemistry to prevent unwanted side reactions, in pharmaceuticals as enzyme inhibitors, and in food preservation.