The GMC catalytic converter has been an effective tool for reducing pollution in the environment - so when your catalytic converter fails, make sure you replace it with a high-quality component from our site! By doing so, you will keep the air free of dangerous carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide emissions. The catalytic converter receives the exhaust gases, and then converts these pollutants into harmless compounds of water vapor, nitrogen and carbon monoxide. Typically, the catalysts are made of platinum, palladium and rhodium. You might have to cast your mind back to high school chemistry class at this point to remember that catalysts start a chemical reaction that breaks up the molecules of pollutants and re-creates harmless molecules. There are two kinds of chemical reactions that occur in the core of the catalytic converter. In the reduction catalyst reaction, the trace elements of platinum and rhodium will separate the nitrogen atoms from the oxygen atoms. After that splitting occurs, the nitrogen atoms then bond together to form their own nitrogen molecules. A second catalyst reaction, called oxidation, occurs when the palladium and platinum metals accelerate the reaction of the hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide with oxygen, converting them into carbon dioxide and water. The catalytic converter must be built to endure the exhaust heat and pressure, so purchase a replacement GMC catalytic converter from our site that can stand up to these extreme conditions.