Achieving pH and Qr oscillations in a palladium-catalysed phenylacetylene oxidative carbonylation reaction using an automated reactor system

An experimental study which achieves reproducible oscillations in both pH and heat output (Qr) during a palladium-catalysed phenylacetylene oxidative carbonylation reaction is reported. Heat release was in phase with pH fall, and decreased as pH increased. The oscillations in Qr were exothermic and no corresponding endotherm was observed.