A Potentiometric Study of the Briggs–Rauscher Oscillatory Reaction in a Solution of Nonionic Surfactants and tert‐Butanol

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe concentration effect of nonionic surfactants (Triton X‐100, Brij 30, Brij 58, Tween 20, and Tween 80) and tert‐butanol was investigated on the Briggs–Rauscher oscillatory reaction in a stirred batch reactor at 25 ± 0.1°C in both the absence and presence of nonionic surfactant and tert‐butanol as well. The addition of Triton X‐100, Brij 58, and Tween 20 influenced the oscillatory parameters in a similar fashion: a decrease of the induction period until its disappearance, an increase of the oscillation period, an increase of the oscillation amplitude, an increase of the duration of the oscillation, and a gradual increase of the oscillation numbers. The addition of Brij 30 has no significant effect on the oscillation parameters of the Briggs‐Rauscher oscillatory reaction. The effect of tert‐butanol on the Briggs–Rauscher oscillatory reaction is very similar to the effect of Brij 58; however, we were unable to observe the disappearance of the induction period on the studied concentration range. The addition of Tween 80 to the reaction mixture has a similar effect as the addition of Triton X‐100, Brij 58, or Tween 20, except for the induction period, which in the case of Tween 80, it becomes larger. The observed effects are explained in terms of micellar catalysis or inhibition, that is, in a different extent of individual reactants of solubilization.