Analysis of the dependence on temperature of the frequency of oscillation of the Belousov–Zhabotinskii reaction

Abstract

The frequency of oscillation of the Belousov–Zhabotinskii reaction (oxidation of malonic acid by bromate ions in acidified solution containing cerium ions) depends on the initial concentration of reactants, but in each case, a plot of log (frequency) against reciprocal temperature is linear. The calculated activation energies for eight solutions cover a relatively small range. These findings are examined in the light of proposed reaction schemes. Calculations indicate that the frequency is controlled to a significant extent by the rate of reaction between bromide and bromate ions to form HOBr and HBrO₂.