Catalyst vs. Inhibitor — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 8, 2024
A catalyst speeds up chemical reactions without being consumed, while an inhibitor slows down or prevents reactions by interfering with the reactants.
Difference Between Catalyst and Inhibitor
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction by lowering the activation energy needed for the reaction to proceed. On the other hand, an inhibitor works by increasing the energy barrier or by directly interfering with the reactants, thereby slowing down or stopping the reaction.
Catalysts are often used in industrial processes to enhance efficiency and reduce costs by accelerating reactions. In contrast, inhibitors play a crucial role in various industries by preventing unwanted reactions that might degrade products or produce harmful byproducts.
In biological systems, enzymes act as natural catalysts that facilitate vital reactions necessary for life. Whereas, inhibitors can regulate these reactions, ensuring that metabolic processes do not proceed too quickly or uncontrollably.
Catalysts can be either homogeneous, existing in the same phase as the reactants, or heterogeneous, existing in a different phase. Inhibitors, however, are typically added to the reaction mixture where they directly interact with the reactants or the catalyst itself.
While catalysts are designed to be recovered unchanged at the end of a reaction and reused, inhibitors may be consumed or may irreversibly bind to reactants or catalysts, thus requiring careful handling and management.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Function
Speeds up chemical reactions
Slows down or prevents chemical reactions
Effect on Energy
Lowers activation energy
Raises activation energy or interferes directly
Usage
Enhances process efficiency in industry
Prevents unwanted reactions in various fields
Example in Biology
Enzymes catalyzing metabolic reactions
Drugs inhibiting enzymes to regulate processes
Phase Relationship
Can be homogeneous or heterogeneous to reactants
Typically mixed with reactants
Compare with Definitions
Catalyst
A factor that precipitates a process or event, especially without being involved or changed by the consequences.
His speech served as a catalyst for public debate.
Inhibitor
Can also be used metaphorically to describe something that deliberately slows progress.
The old regulations acted as an inhibitor to new technology adoption.
Catalyst
A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction.
Platinum is a catalyst in the conversion of emissions from vehicles.
Inhibitor
Chemistry term for a compound that binds to reactants or catalysts to prevent a reaction.
Certain proteins act as inhibitors, stopping unwanted chemical reactions in the cell.
Catalyst
Chemistry term for a compound that facilitates a reaction by lowering activation energy.
Enzymes are biological catalysts that help digest food.
Inhibitor
An agent in medicine used to decrease the rate of a reaction.
ACE inhibitors are used to lower blood pressure.
Catalyst
Used metaphorically in various contexts to describe something that initiates change.
The book was a catalyst in making me reconsider my career choices.
Inhibitor
A substance that slows down or prevents a chemical reaction.
A corrosion inhibitor is added to the coolant of a car to prevent rust.
Catalyst
An agent that provokes or speeds significant change or action.
The new policy acted as a catalyst for widespread reform.
Inhibitor
Often used in various industries to maintain stability in processes.
UV inhibitors in plastics prevent degradation from sunlight exposure.
Catalyst
A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change
Chlorine acts as a catalyst promoting the breakdown of ozone
Inhibitor
One that inhibits, as a substance that retards or stops a chemical reaction.
Catalyst
(Chemistry) A substance, usually used in small amounts relative to the reactants, that modifies and increases the rate of a reaction without being consumed in the process.
Inhibitor
One who or that which inhibits.
I found daily meditation to be a useful inhibitor of negative thoughts.
Catalyst
One that precipitates a process or event, especially without being involved in or changed by the consequences
"A free press ... has remained ... a vital catalyst to an informed and responsible electorate" (Robert O'Neal).
Inhibitor
(chemistry) Any substance capable of stopping or slowing a specific chemical reaction.
Catalyst
(chemistry) A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.
Inhibitor
(biology) Any substance capable of stopping or slowing a specific biological process
Catalyst
Something that encourages progress or change.
Economic development and integration are working as a catalyst for peace.
Inhibitor
That which causes inhibitory action; esp., an inhibitory nerve.
Catalyst
(literature) An inciting incident that sets the successive conflict into motion.
Inhibitor
A substance that retards or stops an activity
Catalyst
(automotive) A catalytic converter.
Catalyst
(fantasy) An object that facilitates the casting of a spell (such as a magic wand).
Catalyst
A substance that initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected; as, thousands of enzymes serve in concert as calaysts to produce the sequence of reactions we call "life"; the industrial production of cheap ammonia depended on finding a good catalyst.
Catalyst
Something that serves as a precipitating occasion for an event; as, the invasion acted as a catalyst to unite the country.
Catalyst
Something or someone that causes events to happen with itself being changed.
Catalyst
(chemistry) a substance that initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected
Catalyst
Something that causes an important event to happen;
The invasion acted as a catalyst to unite the country
Common Curiosities
What is a catalyst?
A catalyst is a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.
What are common examples of inhibitors?
Common inhibitors include drugs like ACE inhibitors and various chemicals used as preservatives.
Why are catalysts important in industrial reactions?
Catalysts are crucial in industry for increasing the efficiency and speed of chemical processes, which helps in cost reduction.
Can inhibitors be harmful?
If not used correctly, inhibitors can be harmful by excessively slowing down essential reactions or causing unwanted side effects.
How do catalysts work?
Catalysts work by lowering the activation energy required for a reaction to proceed, thereby speeding it up.
Can a substance act as both a catalyst and an inhibitor?
Yes, under different conditions, some substances can act both as catalysts and inhibitors.
How are inhibitors used in environmental protection?
Inhibitors can be used to prevent chemical reactions that would release pollutants or degrade environments.
What does an inhibitor do?
An inhibitor is a substance that slows down or prevents chemical reactions by interacting with reactants or catalysts.
How do inhibitors benefit the pharmaceutical industry?
In the pharmaceutical industry, inhibitors are used to control biological reactions, which can be crucial for treating diseases.
Are enzymes always catalysts?
Yes, enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions, making them natural catalysts.
What is the difference between a homogeneous and a heterogeneous catalyst?
A homogeneous catalyst is in the same phase as the reactants, while a heterogeneous catalyst is in a different phase.
What role do catalysts play in energy production?
Catalysts are used in energy production to enhance the efficiency of reactions, such as in fuel cells and refineries.
What industries heavily rely on catalysts?
Industries such as petrochemical, automotive, and pharmaceutical heavily rely on catalysts for various processes.
How do inhibitors work in the human body?
In the body, inhibitors can regulate enzymes and other biochemical reactions, crucial for maintaining health.
Are there natural inhibitors in the environment?
Yes, there are natural inhibitors in the environment, such as certain plant compounds that inhibit growth or enzyme activity in other plant species.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Classification vs. Tabulation
Next Comparison
Grammar vs. VocabularyAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
