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[[File:Bzr_raum.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Patterns shown in a Petri dish]]
[[File:Bzr_raum.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Patterns shown in a Petri dish]]


A '''Belousov–Zhabotinsky reaction''', or '''BZ reaction''', is one of a class of reactions that serve as a classical example of [[non-equilibrium thermodynamics]], resulting in the establishment of a [[nonlinear]] [[chemical oscillator]]. The only common element in these oscillators is the inclusion of bromine and an acid. The reactions are important to theoretical chemistry in that they show that chemical reactions do not have to be dominated by [[equilibrium thermodynamics|equilibrium thermodynamic]] behavior. These reactions are far from equilibrium and remain so for a significant length of time and evolve [[chaos theory|chaotically]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Hudson |first1= J.L. |last2=Mankin |first2= J.C. |date= 1981 |title=Chaos in the Belousov–Zhabotinskii reaction
A '''Belousov–Zhabotinsky reaction''', or '''BZ reaction''', is one of a class of reactions that serve as a classical example of [[non-equilibrium thermodynamics]], resulting in the establishment of a [[nonlinear]] [[chemical oscillator]]. The only common element in these oscillators is the inclusion of [[bromine]] and an acid. The reactions are important to theoretical chemistry in that they show that chemical reactions do not have to be dominated by [[equilibrium thermodynamics|equilibrium thermodynamic]] behavior. These reactions are far from equilibrium and remain so for a significant length of time and evolve [[chaos theory|chaotically]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Hudson |first1= J.L. |last2=Mankin |first2= J.C. |date= 1981 |title=Chaos in the Belousov–Zhabotinskii reaction
|journal= J. Chem. Phys. |volume=74 |issue= 11 |pages=6171–6177 |doi=10.1063/1.441007 |bibcode= 1981JChPh..74.6171H }}</ref> In this sense, they provide an interesting chemical model of nonequilibrium biological{{clarify|date=September 2018}} phenomena; as such, mathematical models and simulations of the BZ reactions themselves are of theoretical interest, showing phenomenon as [[noise-induced order]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Matsumoto |first1= K. |last2= Tsuda |first2= I. |date= 1983 |title=Noise-induced order |journal= J Stat Phys |volume=31 |issue=1 |pages=87–106 |doi=10.1007/BF01010923 |bibcode= 1983JSP....31...87M |s2cid= 189855973 }}</ref>
|journal= J. Chem. Phys. |volume=74 |issue= 11 |pages=6171–6177 |doi=10.1063/1.441007 |bibcode= 1981JChPh..74.6171H }}</ref> In this sense, they provide an interesting chemical model of nonequilibrium biological<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Shanks |first=Niall |date=2001-01-01 |title=Modeling Biological Systems: The Belousov–Zhabotinsky Reaction |url=https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1011434929814 |journal=Foundations of Chemistry |language=en |volume=3 |issue=1 |pages=33–53 |doi=10.1023/A:1011434929814 |s2cid=96694889 |issn=1572-8463}}</ref> phenomena; as such, mathematical models and simulations of the BZ reactions themselves are of theoretical interest, showing phenomenon as [[noise-induced order]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Matsumoto |first1= K. |last2= Tsuda |first2= I. |date= 1983 |title=Noise-induced order |journal= J Stat Phys |volume=31 |issue=1 |pages=87–106 |doi=10.1007/BF01010923 |bibcode= 1983JSP....31...87M |s2cid= 189855973 }}</ref>


[[Image:BZ voltage plot.png|thumb|right|Plot of the electrode potential of a BZ reaction, using silver electrodes against an Ag/AgNO<sub>3</sub> half-cell]]An essential aspect of the BZ reaction is its so called "excitability"; under the influence of stimuli, patterns develop in what would otherwise be a perfectly quiescent medium. Some clock reactions such as [[Briggs–Rauscher reaction|Briggs–Rauscher]] and BZ using the [[tris(bipyridine)ruthenium(II) chloride]] as catalyst can be excited into [[self organization|self-organising]] activity through the influence of light.
[[Image:BZ voltage plot.png|thumb|right|Plot of the electrode potential of a BZ reaction, using silver electrodes against an Ag/AgNO<sub>3</sub> half-cell]]An essential aspect of the BZ reaction is its so called "excitability"; under the influence of stimuli, patterns develop in what would otherwise be a perfectly quiescent medium. Some clock reactions such as [[Briggs–Rauscher reaction|Briggs–Rauscher]] and BZ using [[tris(bipyridine)ruthenium(II) chloride]] as catalyst can be excited into [[self organization|self-organising]] activity through the influence of light.


== History ==
== History ==
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After Belousov's publication, Shnoll gave the project in 1961 to a graduate student, [[Anatol Zhabotinsky]], who investigated the reaction sequence in detail;<ref>{{ cite journal | author = A. M. Zhabotinsky | title = Периодический процесс окисления малоновой кислоты растворе |trans-title=Periodical process of oxidation of malonic acid solution | journal = Биофизика | year = 1964 | volume = 9 | pages = 306–311 }}<!-- [Biophysics] --></ref> however, the results of these men's work were still not widely disseminated, and were not known in the West until a conference in [[Prague]] in 1968.
After Belousov's publication, Shnoll gave the project in 1961 to a graduate student, [[Anatol Zhabotinsky]], who investigated the reaction sequence in detail;<ref>{{ cite journal | author = A. M. Zhabotinsky | title = Периодический процесс окисления малоновой кислоты растворе |trans-title=Periodical process of oxidation of malonic acid solution | journal = Биофизика | year = 1964 | volume = 9 | pages = 306–311 }}<!-- [Biophysics] --></ref> however, the results of these men's work were still not widely disseminated, and were not known in the West until a conference in [[Prague]] in 1968.


A number of BZ cocktails are available in the chemical literature and on the web. [[Ferroin]], a [[Complex (chemistry)|complex]] of [[phenanthroline]] and [[iron]], is a common [[Redox indicator|indicator]]. These reactions, if carried out in [[petri dish]]es, result in the formation first of colored spots. These spots grow into a series of expanding concentric rings or perhaps expanding spirals similar to the patterns generated by a [[cyclic cellular automaton]]. The colors disappear if the dishes are shaken, and then reappear. The waves continue until the reagents are consumed. The reaction can also be performed in a [[Beaker (glassware)|beaker]] using a [[magnetic stirrer]].
A number of BZ cocktails are available in the chemical literature and on the web. [[Ferroin]], a [[Complex (chemistry)|complex]] of [[phenanthroline]] and [[iron]], is a common [[Redox indicator|indicator]]. These reactions, if carried out in [[petri dish]]es, result in the formation first of colored spots. These spots grow into a series of expanding concentric rings or perhaps expanding spirals similar to the patterns generated by a [[cyclic cellular automaton]]. The colors disappear if the dishes are shaken, and then reappear. The waves continue until the reagents are consumed. The reaction can also be performed in a [[Beaker (glassware)|beaker]] using a [[magnetic stirrer]].{{Citation needed|date=November 2024|reason=This paragraph cites no sources}}


[[Andrew Adamatzky]],<ref>{{cite web | url = http://uncomp.uwe.ac.uk/adamatzky | title = Andy Adamatzky | publisher = University of the West of England, Bristol | access-date = 2006-10-23 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190412114346/http://uncomp.uwe.ac.uk/adamatzky/ | archive-date = 2019-04-12 | url-status = dead }}</ref> a computer scientist in the [[University of the West of England]], reported on liquid logic gates using the BZ reaction.<ref>{{ cite journal |pages=107–14 |doi=10.1016/j.chaos.2004.07.021 |title=Three-valued logic gates in reaction–diffusion excitable media |journal=Chaos, Solitons & Fractals |volume=24 |issue=1 |year=2005 |last1=Motoike |first1=Ikuko N. |last2=Adamatzky |first2=Andrew |bibcode=2005CSF....24..107M }}</ref> The BZ reaction has also been used by [[Juan Pérez-Mercader]] and his group at [[Harvard University]] to create an entirely chemical Turing machine, capable of recognizing a [[Chomsky hierarchy|Chomsky type-1]] language.<ref name="pmid31442667">{{cite journal| author=Dueñas-Díez M, Pérez-Mercader J| title=How Chemistry Computes: Language Recognition by Non-Biochemical Chemical Automata. From Finite Automata to Turing Machines. | journal=iScience | year= 2019 | volume= 19 | issue= | pages= 514–526 | pmid=31442667 | doi=10.1016/j.isci.2019.08.007 | pmc=6710637 | bibcode=2019iSci...19..514D }} </ref>
[[Andrew Adamatzky]],<ref>{{cite web | url = http://uncomp.uwe.ac.uk/adamatzky | title = Andy Adamatzky | publisher = University of the West of England, Bristol | access-date = 2006-10-23 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190412114346/http://uncomp.uwe.ac.uk/adamatzky/ | archive-date = 2019-04-12 | url-status = dead }}</ref> a computer scientist in the [[University of the West of England]], reported on liquid logic gates using the BZ reaction.<ref>{{ cite journal |pages=107–14 |doi=10.1016/j.chaos.2004.07.021 |title=Three-valued logic gates in reaction–diffusion excitable media |journal=Chaos, Solitons & Fractals |volume=24 |issue=1 |year=2005 |last1=Motoike |first1=Ikuko N. |last2=Adamatzky |first2=Andrew |bibcode=2005CSF....24..107M }}</ref> The BZ reaction has also been used by Juan Pérez-Mercader and his group at [[Harvard University]] to create an entirely chemical Turing machine, capable of recognizing a [[Chomsky hierarchy|Chomsky type-1]] language.<ref name="pmid31442667">{{cite journal| author=Dueñas-Díez M, Pérez-Mercader J| title=How Chemistry Computes: Language Recognition by Non-Biochemical Chemical Automata. From Finite Automata to Turing Machines. |journal=iScience|year= 2019|volume= 19|issue=|pages=514–526 |pmid=31442667|doi=10.1016/j.isci.2019.08.007|pmc=6710637 |bibcode=2019iSci...19..514D }}</ref>


Strikingly similar oscillatory spiral patterns appear elsewhere in nature, at very different spatial and temporal scales, for example the growth pattern of ''[[Dictyostelium discoideum]]'', a soil-dwelling [[amoeba]] colony.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.uni-magdeburg.de/abp/picturegallery.htm | title = Picture Gallery | publisher = Department of Biophysics, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg }}</ref> In the BZ reaction, the size of the interacting elements is molecular and the time scale of the reaction is minutes. In the case of the soil amoeba, the size of the elements is typical of single-celled organisms and the times involved are on the order of days to years.
Strikingly similar oscillatory spiral patterns appear elsewhere in nature, at very different spatial and temporal scales, for example the growth pattern of ''[[Dictyostelium discoideum]]'', a soil-dwelling [[amoeba]] colony.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.uni-magdeburg.de/abp/picturegallery.htm | title = Picture Gallery | publisher = Department of Biophysics, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg }}{{Dead link|date=June 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In the BZ reaction, the size of the interacting elements is molecular and the time scale of the reaction is minutes. In the case of the soil amoeba, the size of the elements is typical of single-celled organisms and the times involved are on the order of days to years.


Investigators are also exploring the creation of a [[Chemical computer|"wet computer"]], using self-creating "cells" and other techniques to mimic certain properties of [[neuron]]s.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8452196.stm | author = Palmer, J. | work = BBC (Science News) | title = Chemical computer that mimics neurons to be created | date = 2010-01-11 }}</ref>
Investigators are also exploring the creation of a [[Chemical computer|"wet computer"]], using self-creating "cells" and other techniques to mimic certain properties of [[neuron]]s.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8452196.stm | author = Palmer, J. | work = BBC (Science News) | title = Chemical computer that mimics neurons to be created | date = 2010-01-11 }}</ref>
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The mechanism for this reaction is very complex and is thought to involve around 18 different steps which have been the subject of a number of research papers.<ref>{{cite journal |pages=5400–7 |doi=10.1021/j100412a101 |title=On the oxybromine chemistry rate constants with cerium ions in the Field-Körös-Noyes mechanism of the Belousov-Zhabotinskii reaction: The equilibrium HBrO<sub>2</sub> + BrO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup> + H+ → 2 BrO<sub>2</sub>• + H<sub>2</sub>O |journal=The Journal of Physical Chemistry |volume=90 |issue=21 |year=1986 |last1=Field |first1=Richard J. |last2=Foersterling |first2=Horst Dieter }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |pages=1038–43 |doi=10.1021/jp9825213 |title=Bromination Reactions Important in the Mechanism of the Belousov−Zhabotinsky System |journal=The Journal of Physical Chemistry A |volume=103 |issue=8 |year=1999 |last1=Sirimungkala |first1=Atchara |last2=Försterling |first2=Horst-Dieter |last3=Dlask |first3=Vladimir |last4=Field |first4=Richard J. |bibcode = 1999JPCA..103.1038S }}</ref>
The mechanism for this reaction is very complex and is thought to involve around 18 different steps which have been the subject of a number of research papers.<ref>{{cite journal |pages=5400–7 |doi=10.1021/j100412a101 |title=On the oxybromine chemistry rate constants with cerium ions in the Field-Körös-Noyes mechanism of the Belousov-Zhabotinskii reaction: The equilibrium HBrO<sub>2</sub> + BrO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup> + H+ → 2 BrO<sub>2</sub>• + H<sub>2</sub>O |journal=The Journal of Physical Chemistry |volume=90 |issue=21 |year=1986 |last1=Field |first1=Richard J. |last2=Foersterling |first2=Horst Dieter }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |pages=1038–43 |doi=10.1021/jp9825213 |title=Bromination Reactions Important in the Mechanism of the Belousov−Zhabotinsky System |journal=The Journal of Physical Chemistry A |volume=103 |issue=8 |year=1999 |last1=Sirimungkala |first1=Atchara |last2=Försterling |first2=Horst-Dieter |last3=Dlask |first3=Vladimir |last4=Field |first4=Richard J. |bibcode = 1999JPCA..103.1038S }}</ref>


In a way similar to the [[Briggs–Rauscher reaction]], two key processes (both of which are [[Autocatalysis|auto-catalytic]]) occur; process A generates molecular bromine, giving the red colour, and process B consumes the bromine to give bromide ions.<ref name="RSC">{{cite book|last=Lister|first=Ted|title=Classic Chemistry Demonstrations|year=1995|publisher=Education Division, The Royal Society of Chemistry|location=London|isbn=978-1-870343-38-1|pages=3–4|url=http://www.rsc.org/learn-chemistry/content/filerepository/CMP/00/001/001/Classicdemos_full.pdf|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140816215935/http://www.rsc.org/learn-chemistry/content/filerepository/CMP/00/001/001/Classicdemos_full.pdf|archivedate=2014-08-16}}</ref> Theoretically, the reaction resembles the ideal [[Turing pattern]], a system that emerges qualitatively from solving the [[reaction diffusion]] equations for a reaction that generates both a reaction inhibitor and a reaction promoter, of which the two diffuse across the medium at different rates.<ref> John Gribbin, Deep Simplicity, p. 126, Random House, 2004 </ref>
In a way similar to the [[Briggs–Rauscher reaction]], two key processes (both of which are [[Autocatalysis|auto-catalytic]]) occur; process A generates molecular bromine, giving the red colour, and process B consumes the bromine to give bromide ions.<ref name="RSC">{{cite book|last=Lister|first=Ted|title=Classic Chemistry Demonstrations|year=1995|publisher=Education Division, The Royal Society of Chemistry|location=London|isbn=978-1-870343-38-1|pages=3–4|url=http://www.rsc.org/learn-chemistry/content/filerepository/CMP/00/001/001/Classicdemos_full.pdf|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140816215935/http://www.rsc.org/learn-chemistry/content/filerepository/CMP/00/001/001/Classicdemos_full.pdf|archivedate=2014-08-16}}</ref> Theoretically, the reaction resembles the ideal [[Turing pattern]], a system that emerges qualitatively from solving the [[reaction diffusion]] equations for a reaction that generates both a reaction inhibitor and a reaction promoter, of which the two diffuse across the medium at different rates.<ref>John Gribbin, Deep Simplicity, p. 126, Random House, 2004</ref>


One of the most common variations on this reaction uses [[malonic acid]] (CH<sub>2</sub>(CO<sub>2</sub>H)<sub>2</sub>) as the acid and [[potassium bromate]] (KBrO<sub>3</sub>) as the source of bromine. The overall equation is:<ref name="RSC" />
One of the most common variations on this reaction uses [[malonic acid]] (CH<sub>2</sub>(CO<sub>2</sub>H)<sub>2</sub>) as the acid and [[potassium bromate]] (KBrO<sub>3</sub>) as the source of bromine. The overall equation is:<ref name="RSC" />
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===Variants===
===Variants===
Many variants of the reaction exist. The only key chemical is the bromate oxidizer. The catalyst ion is most often cerium, but it can be also manganese, or complexes of iron, ruthenium, cobalt, copper, chromium, silver, nickel and osmium. Many different reductants can be used. (Zhabotinsky, 1964b; Field and Burger, 1985)<ref>{{Cite journal | url=http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Belousov-Zhabotinsky_reaction | doi=10.4249/scholarpedia.1435| title=Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction| journal=Scholarpedia| volume=2| issue=9| pages=1435| year=2007| last1=Zhabotinsky| first1=Anatol| bibcode=2007SchpJ...2.1435Z| doi-access=free}}</ref>
Many variants of the reaction exist. The only key chemical is the bromate oxidizer. The catalyst ion is most often cerium, but it can be also manganese, or complexes of iron, ruthenium, cobalt, copper, chromium, silver, nickel and osmium. Many different reductants can be used. (Zhabotinsky, 1964b; Field and Burger, 1985)<ref>{{Cite journal | doi=10.4249/scholarpedia.1435| title=Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction| journal=Scholarpedia| volume=2| issue=9| pages=1435| year=2007| last1=Zhabotinsky| first1=Anatol| bibcode=2007SchpJ...2.1435Z| doi-access=free}}</ref>


Many different patterns can be observed when the reaction is run in a [[microemulsion]].
Many different patterns can be observed when the reaction is run in a [[microemulsion]].
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* {{cite book |author1 = Strogatz, S. |title = SYNC, the emerging science of spontaneous order | publisher = Hyperion | year = 2003| isbn = 0-7868-6844-9 | pages = 212–216, 219 }}
* {{cite book |author1 = Strogatz, S. |title = SYNC, the emerging science of spontaneous order | publisher = Hyperion | year = 2003| isbn = 0-7868-6844-9 | pages = 212–216, 219 }}
* {{cite book |author1 = Pabian, R. K. |author2 = Zarins, A. | title = Banded Agates, Origins and Inclusions | publisher = University of Nebraska-Lincoln | series = Educational Circular | volume = 12 }}
* {{cite book |author1 = Pabian, R. K. |author2 = Zarins, A. | title = Banded Agates, Origins and Inclusions | publisher = University of Nebraska-Lincoln | series = Educational Circular | volume = 12 }}
* {{cite journal |pages=3032–5 |doi=10.1021/jp7097922 |title=Microfreight delivered by chemical waves |journal=Journal of Physical Chemistry C |volume=112 |issue=8 |year=2008 |last1=Ichino |first1=T. |last2=Asahi |first2=T. |last3=Kitahata |first3=H. |last4=Magome |first4=N. |last5=Agladze |first5=K. |last6=Yoshikawa |first6=K. }}
* {{cite journal |pages=3032–5 |doi=10.1021/jp7097922 |title=Microfreight delivered by chemical waves |journal=Journal of Physical Chemistry C |volume=112 |issue=8 |year=2008 |last1=Ichino |first1=T. |last2=Asahi |first2=T. |last3=Kitahata |first3=H. |last4=Magome |first4=N. |last5=Agladze |first5=K. |last6=Yoshikawa |first6=K. |doi-access=free }}
{{Refend}}
{{Refend}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{commons|Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction}}
{{commons}}
* [http://www.syngenta.com/country/uk/en/learning-zone/science-lab/experiments/Pages/BZClock.aspx Interactive Science Experiment Showcasing the BZ Reaction (A-Level)]{{dead link|date=October 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
* [http://www.syngenta.com/country/uk/en/learning-zone/science-lab/experiments/Pages/BZClock.aspx Interactive Science Experiment Showcasing the BZ Reaction (A-Level)]{{dead link|date=October 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060519123909/http://www.rose-hulman.edu/mathjournal/v3n1.php A Survey Article on the Mathematics of the BZ Reaction]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060519123909/http://www.rose-hulman.edu/mathjournal/v3n1.php A Survey Article on the Mathematics of the BZ Reaction]
Line 74: Line 74:
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20050213233704/http://ed.augie.edu/~awaspaas/inorg/bz.pdf The Belousov–Zhabotinski Reaction] (PDF file)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20050213233704/http://ed.augie.edu/~awaspaas/inorg/bz.pdf The Belousov–Zhabotinski Reaction] (PDF file)
* [https://www.newscientist.com/channel/tech/dn13341-paper-cargo-surfs-chemical-waves.html "Paper cargo surfs chemical waves"]—Oscillating chemical waves induced by BZ reactions can propel small objects, ''New Scientist'', 18 February 2008
* [https://www.newscientist.com/channel/tech/dn13341-paper-cargo-surfs-chemical-waves.html "Paper cargo surfs chemical waves"]—Oscillating chemical waves induced by BZ reactions can propel small objects, ''New Scientist'', 18 February 2008
* [http://hopf.chem.brandeis.edu/anatol/anatol.htm The home page of Anatol M. Zhabotinsky]
* [http://hopf.chem.brandeis.edu/anatol/anatol.htm The home page of Anatol M. Zhabotinsky]{{Dead link|date=June 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
* [http://flexmonkey.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/simulating-belousov-zhabotinsky.html Simulating Belousov-Zhabotinsky Reactions in Pixel Bender] A simulation of the Belousov–Zhabotinsky reaction running inside Flash Player
* [http://flexmonkey.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/simulating-belousov-zhabotinsky.html Simulating Belousov-Zhabotinsky Reactions in Pixel Bender] A simulation of the Belousov–Zhabotinsky reaction running inside Flash Player
{{Organic reactions}}
{{Organic reactions}}

Latest revision as of 05:29, 11 November 2024

Computer simulation of the Belousov–Zhabotinsky reaction
Patterns shown in a Petri dish

A Belousov–Zhabotinsky reaction, or BZ reaction, is one of a class of reactions that serve as a classical example of non-equilibrium thermodynamics, resulting in the establishment of a nonlinear chemical oscillator. The only common element in these oscillators is the inclusion of bromine and an acid. The reactions are important to theoretical chemistry in that they show that chemical reactions do not have to be dominated by equilibrium thermodynamic behavior. These reactions are far from equilibrium and remain so for a significant length of time and evolve chaotically.[1] In this sense, they provide an interesting chemical model of nonequilibrium biological[2] phenomena; as such, mathematical models and simulations of the BZ reactions themselves are of theoretical interest, showing phenomenon as noise-induced order.[3]

Plot of the electrode potential of a BZ reaction, using silver electrodes against an Ag/AgNO3 half-cell

An essential aspect of the BZ reaction is its so called "excitability"; under the influence of stimuli, patterns develop in what would otherwise be a perfectly quiescent medium. Some clock reactions such as Briggs–Rauscher and BZ using tris(bipyridine)ruthenium(II) chloride as catalyst can be excited into self-organising activity through the influence of light.

History

[edit]
A stirred BZ reaction mixture showing changes in color over time

The discovery of the phenomenon is credited to Boris Belousov. In 1951, while trying to find the non-organic analog to the Krebs cycle, he noted that in a mix of potassium bromate, cerium(IV) sulfate, malonic acid, and citric acid in dilute sulfuric acid, the ratio of concentration of the cerium(IV) and cerium(III) ions oscillated, causing the colour of the solution to oscillate between a yellow solution and a colorless solution. This is due to the cerium(IV) ions being reduced by malonic acid to cerium(III) ions, which are then oxidized back to cerium(IV) ions by bromate(V) ions.

Belousov made two attempts to publish his finding, but was rejected on the grounds that he could not explain his results to the satisfaction of the editors of the journals to which he submitted his results.[4] Soviet biochemist Simon El'evich Shnoll encouraged Belousov to continue his efforts to publish his results. In 1959 his work was finally published in a less respectable, nonreviewed journal.[5]

After Belousov's publication, Shnoll gave the project in 1961 to a graduate student, Anatol Zhabotinsky, who investigated the reaction sequence in detail;[6] however, the results of these men's work were still not widely disseminated, and were not known in the West until a conference in Prague in 1968.

A number of BZ cocktails are available in the chemical literature and on the web. Ferroin, a complex of phenanthroline and iron, is a common indicator. These reactions, if carried out in petri dishes, result in the formation first of colored spots. These spots grow into a series of expanding concentric rings or perhaps expanding spirals similar to the patterns generated by a cyclic cellular automaton. The colors disappear if the dishes are shaken, and then reappear. The waves continue until the reagents are consumed. The reaction can also be performed in a beaker using a magnetic stirrer.[citation needed]

Andrew Adamatzky,[7] a computer scientist in the University of the West of England, reported on liquid logic gates using the BZ reaction.[8] The BZ reaction has also been used by Juan Pérez-Mercader and his group at Harvard University to create an entirely chemical Turing machine, capable of recognizing a Chomsky type-1 language.[9]

Strikingly similar oscillatory spiral patterns appear elsewhere in nature, at very different spatial and temporal scales, for example the growth pattern of Dictyostelium discoideum, a soil-dwelling amoeba colony.[10] In the BZ reaction, the size of the interacting elements is molecular and the time scale of the reaction is minutes. In the case of the soil amoeba, the size of the elements is typical of single-celled organisms and the times involved are on the order of days to years.

Investigators are also exploring the creation of a "wet computer", using self-creating "cells" and other techniques to mimic certain properties of neurons.[11]

Chemical mechanism

[edit]

The mechanism for this reaction is very complex and is thought to involve around 18 different steps which have been the subject of a number of research papers.[12][13]

In a way similar to the Briggs–Rauscher reaction, two key processes (both of which are auto-catalytic) occur; process A generates molecular bromine, giving the red colour, and process B consumes the bromine to give bromide ions.[14] Theoretically, the reaction resembles the ideal Turing pattern, a system that emerges qualitatively from solving the reaction diffusion equations for a reaction that generates both a reaction inhibitor and a reaction promoter, of which the two diffuse across the medium at different rates.[15]

One of the most common variations on this reaction uses malonic acid (CH2(CO2H)2) as the acid and potassium bromate (KBrO3) as the source of bromine. The overall equation is:[14]

3 CH2(CO2H)2 + 4 BrO
3
→ 4 Br + 9 CO2 + 6 H2O

Variants

[edit]

Many variants of the reaction exist. The only key chemical is the bromate oxidizer. The catalyst ion is most often cerium, but it can be also manganese, or complexes of iron, ruthenium, cobalt, copper, chromium, silver, nickel and osmium. Many different reductants can be used. (Zhabotinsky, 1964b; Field and Burger, 1985)[16]

Many different patterns can be observed when the reaction is run in a microemulsion.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Hudson, J.L.; Mankin, J.C. (1981). "Chaos in the Belousov–Zhabotinskii reaction". J. Chem. Phys. 74 (11): 6171–6177. Bibcode:1981JChPh..74.6171H. doi:10.1063/1.441007.
  2. ^ Shanks, Niall (2001-01-01). "Modeling Biological Systems: The Belousov–Zhabotinsky Reaction". Foundations of Chemistry. 3 (1): 33–53. doi:10.1023/A:1011434929814. ISSN 1572-8463. S2CID 96694889.
  3. ^ Matsumoto, K.; Tsuda, I. (1983). "Noise-induced order". J Stat Phys. 31 (1): 87–106. Bibcode:1983JSP....31...87M. doi:10.1007/BF01010923. S2CID 189855973.
  4. ^ Winfree, A. T. (1984). "The Prehistory of the Belousov-Zhabotinsky Oscillator". Journal of Chemical Education. 61 (8): 661–663. Bibcode:1984JChEd..61..661W. doi:10.1021/ed061p661.
  5. ^ B. P. Belousov (1959). "Периодически действующая реакция и ее механизм" [Periodically acting reaction and its mechanism]. Сборник рефератов по радиационной медицине. 147: 145.
  6. ^ A. M. Zhabotinsky (1964). "Периодический процесс окисления малоновой кислоты растворе" [Periodical process of oxidation of malonic acid solution]. Биофизика. 9: 306–311.
  7. ^ "Andy Adamatzky". University of the West of England, Bristol. Archived from the original on 2019-04-12. Retrieved 2006-10-23.
  8. ^ Motoike, Ikuko N.; Adamatzky, Andrew (2005). "Three-valued logic gates in reaction–diffusion excitable media". Chaos, Solitons & Fractals. 24 (1): 107–14. Bibcode:2005CSF....24..107M. doi:10.1016/j.chaos.2004.07.021.
  9. ^ Dueñas-Díez M, Pérez-Mercader J (2019). "How Chemistry Computes: Language Recognition by Non-Biochemical Chemical Automata. From Finite Automata to Turing Machines". iScience. 19: 514–526. Bibcode:2019iSci...19..514D. doi:10.1016/j.isci.2019.08.007. PMC 6710637. PMID 31442667.
  10. ^ "Picture Gallery". Department of Biophysics, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg.[permanent dead link]
  11. ^ Palmer, J. (2010-01-11). "Chemical computer that mimics neurons to be created". BBC (Science News).
  12. ^ Field, Richard J.; Foersterling, Horst Dieter (1986). "On the oxybromine chemistry rate constants with cerium ions in the Field-Körös-Noyes mechanism of the Belousov-Zhabotinskii reaction: The equilibrium HBrO2 + BrO3 + H+ → 2 BrO2• + H2O". The Journal of Physical Chemistry. 90 (21): 5400–7. doi:10.1021/j100412a101.
  13. ^ Sirimungkala, Atchara; Försterling, Horst-Dieter; Dlask, Vladimir; Field, Richard J. (1999). "Bromination Reactions Important in the Mechanism of the Belousov−Zhabotinsky System". The Journal of Physical Chemistry A. 103 (8): 1038–43. Bibcode:1999JPCA..103.1038S. doi:10.1021/jp9825213.
  14. ^ a b Lister, Ted (1995). Classic Chemistry Demonstrations (PDF). London: Education Division, The Royal Society of Chemistry. pp. 3–4. ISBN 978-1-870343-38-1. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-08-16.
  15. ^ John Gribbin, Deep Simplicity, p. 126, Random House, 2004
  16. ^ Zhabotinsky, Anatol (2007). "Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction". Scholarpedia. 2 (9): 1435. Bibcode:2007SchpJ...2.1435Z. doi:10.4249/scholarpedia.1435.

Further reading

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  • Strogatz, S. (2003). SYNC, the emerging science of spontaneous order. Hyperion. pp. 212–216, 219. ISBN 0-7868-6844-9.
  • Pabian, R. K.; Zarins, A. Banded Agates, Origins and Inclusions. Educational Circular. Vol. 12. University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
  • Ichino, T.; Asahi, T.; Kitahata, H.; Magome, N.; Agladze, K.; Yoshikawa, K. (2008). "Microfreight delivered by chemical waves". Journal of Physical Chemistry C. 112 (8): 3032–5. doi:10.1021/jp7097922.
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