Complex dynamical behavior in a new chemical oscillator: The chlorite–thiourea reaction in a CSTR

The reaction between chlorite ion and thiourea has been studied both in a closed (batch) system and in a flow reactor (CSTR). The principal stoichiometry is given by In batch, the reaction displays an induction period, whose length is proportional to CS(NH₂)₂]/ClO] H⁺], followed by the rapid buildup and disappearance of a ClO₂ intermediate. At ClO]/CS(NH₂)₂] ratios between 2.5 and 3.5, a second peak in the ClO₂ absorbance is observed. In the CSTR, this iodine-free system displays simple and complex periodic oscillation, bistability, aperiodic oscillation, and birhythmicity.