Spatial bistability and waves in a reaction with acid autocatalysis
J Boissonade1, E Dulos, F Gauffre
1Centre de Recherche Paul Pascal, C.N.R.S. Bordeaux, Avenue Schweitzer, F-33600 Pessac, France.
Abstract:
The phenomenon of spatial bistability has recently been proposed for a comprehensive understanding of a number of chemical patterns observed in open spatial reactors consisting of thin films of gel diffusively fed from one side. We study experimentally and numerically this phenomenon in the tetrathionate-chlorite reaction characterized by an acid superautocatalysis. We focus on the similarities and differences with previous studies on the chlorine dioxide-iodide reaction. In addition, we show that this reaction, which is only bistable in a continuous stirred tank reactor, can exhibit oscillatory and traveling waves when diffusion comes into play. Our computations suggest that the nonstationary behaviour originates from differential diffusive transport.
Related Concept Videos
Esters to Carboxylic Acids: Acid-Catalyzed Hydrolysis
During hydrolysis, the ester is first activated towards nucleophilic attack through the protonation of the carboxyl oxygen atom by the acid catalyst. The protonation makes the ester carbonyl carbon more electrophilic. In the next step, water acts as a nucleophile and adds to the...
Woodward–Hoffmann Selection Rules and Microscopic Reversibility
Regioselectivity and Stereochemistry of Acid-Catalyzed Hydration
Acid-Catalyzed Hydration of Alkenes
Acid Halides to Carboxylic Acids: Hydrolysis
As shown below, the mechanism involves a nucleophilic attack by water at the carbonyl carbon to form a tetrahedral intermediate. This is followed by the reformation of the carbon–oxygen π bond along with the departure of a halide ion. A final proton transfer step yields carboxylic acid...
Catalysis


