Complex reaction dynamics in the cerium-bromate-2-methyl-1,4-hydroquinone photoreaction

Spontaneous oscillations with a long induction time were observed in the bromate-2-methyl-1,4-hydroquinone photoreaction in a batch reactor, where removal of illumination effectively quenched any reactivity. A substantial lengthening of the oscillatory window and a dramatic increase in the complexity of the reaction behavior arose upon the addition of cerium ions, in which separate bifurcation regions and mixed mode oscillations were present. The complexity has a strong dependence on the intensity of illumination supplied to the system and on the initial concentrations of the reactants. (1)H NMR spectroscopy measurements show that the photoreduction of 2-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone leads to the formation of 2-methyl-1,4-hydroquinone and the compound 2-hydroxy-3-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone. Spectroscopic investigation also indicates that the presence of methyl group hinders the bromination of the studied organic substrate 2-methyl-1,4-hydroquinone, resulting in the formation of 2-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone.