What gas is commonly released from car exhaust that catalytic converters help mitigate?

The gas commonly released from car exhaust that catalytic converters help mitigate is nitrogen oxides. In the combustion process that occurs in car engines, nitrogen in the air reacts with oxygen at high temperatures, leading to the formation of nitrogen oxides (NOx). These compounds are harmful pollutants that contribute to smog and respiratory problems.

Catalytic converters are devices installed in the exhaust system of vehicles that convert harmful gases into less harmful substances before they are released into the atmosphere. They facilitate several chemical reactions, including the conversion of nitrogen oxides into nitrogen and oxygen, which are far less harmful. This process significantly reduces the concentration of nitrogen oxides in car emissions, helping to improve air quality and comply with environmental regulations.

Other gases, such as carbon dioxide and water vapor, are produced during combustion but are not specifically targeted by catalytic converters for mitigation. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas, and while it is important to manage its emissions, catalytic converters are primarily focused on reducing toxic pollutants like nitrogen oxides. Oxygen is not a pollutant but is rather a necessary component of the combustion process itself.