Autocatalysis
This occurs when one of the products of a reaction is also a catalyst for the reaction. Initially, the reaction proceeds slowly at the uncatalysed rate. As more and more catalyst is formed the reaction speeds up to the catalysed rate then proceeds like a normal catalysed reaction. Eventually, the reaction slows down as the reactants are used up.

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Key terms in this lesson
- intermediate
- A species formed in one step of a reaction mechanism and used up in a later step, so it does not appear in the overall equation.
More in Redox Reactions
- Redox Potential
- Redox Titrations
- Heterogenous Catalysts
- Homogenous Catalysts
- Hydration of Metal Ions
- Reaction with Ammonia Solution
- Reaction with Sodium Hydroxide
- Reaction with Sodium Carbonate
All 21 lessons in Redox Reactions · All OCR A-level Chemistry topics