Auto catalysis involves a reaction in which the product of the reaction acts as a catalyst for its own production. The correct answer to the given question is option 'A', which states that product catalyses in the cause of auto catalysis. Let's understand this in detail.

Product catalysis in auto catalysis

Auto catalysis is a self-sustaining process that occurs when the product of a reaction catalyses its own formation. In other words, the product of the reaction acts as a catalyst for the reaction itself. This type of reaction is also called a positive feedback loop. The product catalyses the reaction by binding to the reactant and lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. This leads to an increase in the rate of the reaction, which in turn produces more product, which then catalyses the reaction further. This continues until the reactant is completely consumed or the product concentration reaches a saturation point.

Examples of auto catalysis

One of the most well-known examples of auto catalysis is the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction. In this reaction, a mixture of chemicals undergoes a series of oscillating reactions that produce a color change. The reaction is named after Boris Belousov and Anatol Zhabotinsky, who discovered it in 1959. The BZ reaction involves the oxidation of malonic acid by bromate ions in the presence of a catalyst, which is usually cerium ions. The product of the reaction, bromomalonic acid, acts as a catalyst for its own production, leading to a self-sustaining oscillation of the reaction.

Another example of auto catalysis is the reaction between hydrogen peroxide and iodide ions in the presence of acid. In this reaction, the product of the reaction, iodine, catalyses the reaction by reacting with hydrogen peroxide to form more iodide ions, which then react with more hydrogen peroxide to form more iodine. This leads to a rapid increase in the rate of the reaction until all the reactants are consumed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, auto catalysis is a self-sustaining process that occurs when the product of a reaction catalyses its own formation. Product catalyses the reaction by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. This leads to an increase in the rate of the reaction, which in turn produces more product, which then catalyses the reaction further. Examples of auto catalysis include the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction and the reaction between hydrogen peroxide and iodide ions.

In case of autocatalysis , the product produced in the reaction acts as a catalyst. For example, acid catalysed ester hydrolysis reaction is slow in the beginning but speeds up later bcoz the acetic acid produced in the reaction acts as a catalyst.