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Chemistry

The Role of Autocatalysis in Chemical Oscillations: The Belousov-Zhabotinsky Reaction

Quick fact

In the Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction, bromous acid participates in an autocatalytic step: its production accelerates further bromous-acid production. Bromide later suppresses that pathway, so competing feedback makes concentrations and colour oscillate until the available reactants are depleted.

Why this is interesting

A dish of colour-changing solution can send out rings and spirals even though no organism is directing it. How can a chemical reaction repeatedly switch its visible state instead of simply running down once?