What type of agents prevent a chemical from polymerizing?

Inhibitors are substances that specifically prevent or slow down the polymerization process of certain chemicals. Polymerization is a chemical reaction where small molecules, known as monomers, bond together to form a larger polymer chain. This process can sometimes occur unintentionally, leading to unwanted solidification or changes in the chemical properties of materials.

Inhibitors work by interfering with the reactive sites of the monomers or by stabilizing the radical intermediates that can lead to polymerization. By doing so, they effectively prolong the shelf life of certain chemicals and ensure that they remain in their desired form until they are intentionally triggered to react, such as in curing processes.

Catalysts, on the other hand, generally promote reactions and can speed up polymerization rather than hinder it. Oxidizers and reducers refer to agents that respectively increase oxygen content or donate electrons in chemical reactions, and they do not specifically have a role in preventing polymerization. Thus, inhibitors are distinctly recognized for their function in controlling and preventing unwanted polymerization in various chemical processes.