Influence of Chemically Inert Cations on the Hydrogen-bond Network in the Bray-Liebhafsky Oscillatory Reaction

Abstract

The influence of the chemically inert alkali metal cations on the Bray-Liebhafsky oscillatory reaction dynamics was investigated by the addition of the same amount of various sulfates to the reaction mixture. Beside the expected changes related to the altered acidity of the sulfuric acid solution, subtle changes dependent on cation dimensions were noticed. Larger cations have more impact on the Bray-Liebhafsky reaction dynamics. Analysing the mean ionic activity of salts, it is suggested that the effects may be related to the altered extent of water hydrogen bonding and specific role of bulk water in the reaction mechanism.