Effects of oxygen on the Bray–Liebhafsky reaction

Abstract

The reactions of oxygen are not a necessary part of the explanation of the oscillations in the Bray–Liebhafsky reaction. However, oxygen can modify the shape of the oscillations and the range of concentrations where they are observed. We discuss the mechanism previously proposed and suggest that the chemical effects of oxygen result mainly from the oxidation of iodide by radical processes. The escape of oxygen has also a physical effect, the loss of iodine in the gas phase. The effects of light and stirring rate are related to the effects of oxygen.