An organic-based pH oscillator

J Phys Chem A. 2007 Feb 1;111(4):549-51. doi: 10.1021/jp068534v.

Abstract

In a recent paper, we suggested that the acid- or base-catalyzed dehydration of a hydrated carbonyl compound provides a suitable foundation for an organic-based pH oscillator. Here we present the first experimental example of such an oscillator in a flow reactor, utilizing the base-catalyzed dehydration of methylene glycol as a source of positive feedback (OH- autocatalysis) coupled with the base-catalyzed hydrolysis of gluconolactone for negative feedback (H+ production). The large amplitude oscillations (between pH 7 and 10) are reproduced in a kinetic model of the reaction. Such experiments present new possibilities in the design of pH oscillators.

Publication types

  • Letter
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anions
  • Biophysics / methods
  • Carbon / chemistry
  • Chemistry, Organic / methods
  • Chemistry, Physical / methods*
  • Glucose Oxidase / chemistry
  • Glycols / chemistry
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Kinetics
  • Models, Chemical
  • Oscillometry / methods*
  • Sulfites / chemistry

Substances

  • Anions
  • Glycols
  • Sulfites
  • Carbon
  • Glucose Oxidase