Inhibitor

Name:
Inhibitor
Detailed information:
(1) A compound (usually organic) that retards or stops an undesired chemical reaction, such as corrosion, oxidation or polymerization. Examples are acetanilide which retards decomposition of hydrogen peroxide and salicylic acid, used to prevent prevulcanization of rubber. Such substances are sometimes called negative catalysts. (2) A biological antagonist used to retard growth of pests and insects and in medicine.See Antagonist, Structural; Antioxidant.