Subversion can occur through various mechanisms, including:
Poisoning: Contaminants or impurities in the reactants can bind to the active sites of the catalyst, rendering them inactive or less effective. Deactivation: Prolonged use or harsh reaction conditions can lead to the physical or chemical degradation of the catalyst. Structural Changes: Changes in the catalyst's morphology or phase can alter its activity and selectivity. Competitive Reactions: The presence of alternative reactants or pathways can divert the reaction from the desired product to an unintended one.