Autocatalysis

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This occurs in reactions where the reaction rate increases as a product is formed. An example of autocatalystic reaction is the Belousov-Zhabotinskii (BZ) reaction.

The product HBrO₂ is the reactant in step I.

Another example of autocatalysis is the reaction of potassium permanganate with oxalate ion in acidic medium. The reaction is very slow, but once, a crystal of MnSO₄ is added the reaction is accelerated. In this reaction Mn²⁺ is formed as a product, which acts as a catalyst. From industrial production point of view, autocatalytic reactions play an important role. The rate of reaction can be maximized by making sure that the optimum concentrations of reactants and products are always present.