The impact of deactivating agents on catalysts varies depending on the type and concentration of the deactivant. For instance, chemical poisons like sulfur compounds can form strong bonds with the active sites, making them unavailable for the intended reaction. On the other hand, coking leads to a physical blockage of these sites. The sintering process reduces the active surface area, thus diminishing the catalyst's effectiveness. In industrial settings, the presence of deactivating agents can lead to increased operational costs due to more frequent catalyst regeneration or replacement.
