Modelling cubic autocatalysis by successive bimolecular steps

Abstract The simplest, chemically and thermodynamically satisfactory model of oscillatory behaviour involves only two variables but requires a third-order step: If the third-order step is replaced by consecutive second-order reactions then a 3-variable scheme is produced. Oscillatory behaviour and exotic stationary-state patterns of extent of reaction versus flow rate in the simplest of open systems survive. When k 3 a 0 / k −3 and ( k 4 a 0 / k −3 ) are both small the 3-variable scheme takes a simple analytical form containing both the 2-variable, cubic case and explicit forms for the leading-order corrections. In the limit ϰ = e → 0 the cubic case is left.