Question

Write a note on catalytic poison.

Answer 1

Certain substances when added to a catalysed reaction, decrease or completely destroys the activity of the catalyst and they are often known as catalytic poisons.

For example, In the reaction, \[\ce{2SO2 + O2 -> 2SO3}\] with a Pt catalyst, the poison is AS₂O₃ i.e., AS₂O₃ destroys the activity of pt. AS₂O₃ blocks the activity of the catalyst. So, the activity is lost.