What is added to a product to inhibit undesired chemical reactions such as polymerization?

An inhibitor is a substance specifically added to a product to prevent or slow down undesired chemical reactions, such as polymerization. Polymerization is a process where small molecules, known as monomers, react to form larger molecules or polymers, which can sometimes lead to unwanted reactions, altering the properties of the product. Inhibitors work by interfering with the chemical pathways that lead to these undesired reactions, effectively making the product more stable over time.

While a catalyst accelerates a chemical reaction, and a stabilizer can refer to substances that help maintain the desired state of a compound, neither is designed primarily for the purpose of inhibiting unwanted chemical reactions. A solvent, on the other hand, is typically used to dissolve other substances, rather than function as an agent to prevent reactions. Therefore, using an inhibitor is the most accurate way to describe the action of preventing undesired chemical changes like polymerization.