1997 Nissan Sentra 1997 Nissan Sentra Catalytic converter?

Engine Mechanical problem
1997 Nissan Sentra 4 cyl Automatic 117, 00 miles

I have a 1997 nissan sentra gxe that broke down on me. I was driving one day and when I turned the corner and it dyed out. It cranks up but wont start. I took it to a shop and the guy told me that it was my timming chain. Then when I went to get it fixed by another guy he told me that my timming chain was fine and that he thinks it might be my catayltic converter? My car was driving on low power and would feel like stalling and actually would sometimes. My question is if it was the catayltic converter would that cause my car not to run? If not any ideas? Oh also we tryed to use starting fluid to see if it would start and it didnt so it is getting fuel.