What is the purpose of using inert gases in chemical processes?

Using inert gases in chemical processes serves the specific purpose of preventing unwanted reactions by displacing oxygen and moisture. Inert gases, such as nitrogen, argon, or helium, are chemically unreactive under normal conditions; thus, they do not participate in chemical reactions.

By introducing these gases into a reaction environment, they effectively create an atmosphere that excludes reactive components like oxygen and water vapor, which could otherwise lead to unwanted side reactions, oxidation, or hydrolysis of the reactants or products. This controlled environment is crucial in processes where maintaining the integrity and purity of the reactants is necessary for the desired outcome.

For instance, in the production of sensitive chemicals or in reactions involving highly reactive elements, using an inert gas helps to ensure that the reactions proceed as intended and yield a higher quality product without interference from environmental factors.