autocatalyzed

Autocatalyzed refers to a process where a reaction product acts as a catalyst for the reaction itself. In an autocatalyzed reaction, a substance is formed that speeds up the rate at which it is produced. This creates a feedback loop where the reaction becomes increasingly faster as more product accumulates. Autocatalysis is a common phenomenon in various fields, including chemistry, biology, and economics.

In chemistry, autocatalysis can lead to complex reaction dynamics, such as oscillating reactions where the concentrations of reactants and products fluctuate over time. Examples include the Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction. The mechanism typically involves the product catalyzing the formation of more of itself, or catalyzing the formation of an intermediate that then participates in the production of the final product.

Biologically, autocatalysis plays a role in the origin of life. Early self-replicating molecules are thought to have been autocatalytic, meaning they could catalyze their own reproduction. This concept is central to theories of abiogenesis. In broader contexts, autocatalytic processes can describe situations where the growth of a system fuels its own expansion, such as in economic models or the spread of information. The key characteristic is the self-acceleration driven by the reaction's own products.