Journal of Physical Chemistry B, Vol.104, No.17, 4266-4272, 2000
Pattern formation in the NaOH+CuCl2 reaction
A simple chemical process with inorganic reactants (NaOH and CuCl2) is presented that leads to the formation of a seat variety of spatial patterns previously observed only in much more complex systems. In particular, depending on the experimental conditions, Liesegang patterns and interacting chemical fronts may emerge. The latter can develop to form spirals and cardioids. At higher concentrations, unusual disordered patterns can build up, despite the striking simplicity of the experimental system. This type of pattern formation represents a new class of nonlinear chemical phenomena.