Reversible chemical reactions model with fractional difference operator: Dynamical analysis and synchronization

Chemical reactions form the basis of life and understanding the different patterns and unpredictable changes in the reactions are noteworthy in real life situations. The article aims at constructing a mathematical model of two step reversible chemical reactions with a Caputo fractional difference operator. The reversible reaction involves the breakdown of an ester compound in the presence of water followed by the formation of fatty acid salts from the reaction of a free fatty acid with alkali hydroxide, such as NaOH. Using bifurcation diagrams, the chaotic response exhibited by the system is illustrated for state variables with identical fractional order and variables with non-identical fractional orders. The changes in periodic states of the system are investigated for each state variables with time varying plots and maximum Lyapunov exponents using the Jacobian matrix method are presented in support of the bifurcation diagrams. The synchronization of the subsystems of the proposed system is achieved with nonlinear control functions. Numerical simulations are presented to provide comparison of commensurate and incommensurate order models. Understanding the nature of these processes has significant applications in the production of bio-fuels from vegetable oils and animal fats by a transesterification reaction.