Question

The opposite of a catalyst is a/an? Select one:
a. anti-reactant
b. anti-catalyst
c. peroxide
d. inhibitor

Answer 1

Hint: Catalysis is the addition of a catalyst to a chemical reaction to speed up the pace of the reaction. Catalysts are not consumed and remain unaltered after the reaction. In many cases, just a tiny quantity of catalyst is necessary. Catalysts often react with one or more reactants to produce intermediates, which then provide the ultimate reaction product, renewing the catalyst in the process.

Complete answer:
A reaction inhibitor is a chemical compound that slows or stops a chemical reaction. A catalyst, on the other hand, is a material that speeds up a chemical process. In a catalysed process, an inhibitor can limit the catalyst's efficacy (either a non-biological catalyst or an enzyme). For example, if a chemical is sufficiently similar to (one of) the reactants that it can bind to the active site of a catalyst but does not conduct a catalytic reaction, the catalyst molecule will be unable to fulfil its function since the active site will be occupied. The catalyst becomes accessible for reaction after the inhibitor is freed.
It's important to distinguish between inhibition and catalyst toxicity. An inhibitor simply prevents a catalyst from operating without altering it, whereas catalyst poisoning causes the catalyst to undergo an irreversible chemical reaction in the environment (the active catalyst may only be regained by a separate process). An inhibitor is the polar opposite of a catalyst, and it is described as a material that slows down the pace of a chemical process. Inhibitors can sometimes prevent reactions from progressing entirely.
Option (d) is correct answer.

Note:
Catalyst poisoning occurs when a chemical substance deactivates a catalyst partially or completely. Poisoning is distinct from other types of catalyst deterioration, such as heat breakdown or physical damage, in that it relates to chemical deactivation. Poisoning, while typically undesired, might be beneficial if it improves catalytic selectivity (e.g., Lindlar's catalyst). The poisoning of catalytic converters by leaded gasoline was a significant historical occurrence.