Catalytic Converter: Description and Operation

Used on California vehicles, the catalytic converter is installed in the exhaust system to control hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions through a chemical reaction. The chemical reaction involved is the combining of hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) with oxygen to form water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO). The catalytic converter allows a faster chemical reaction to occur, and although it enters into the chemical reaction, remains unchanged and ready to repeat the process.