Briggs-Rauscher Reaction
Description: The most commonly demonstrated oscillator reaction. The color of the solution oscillates between clear brown and deep blue. The period is fairly rapid, but the reaction reaches completion in about 3 – 5 minutes.
Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry
Year: 1985 Vol: 2 Page: 248
Keywords: Oscillator, Briggs-Rauscher, Color changes, Cyclic
Rating: 
Hazard: Medium
- Aquatic toxicity hazard- acute, chronic
- Toxicity hazard- Oral, dermal, inhalation
- Skin corrosion hazard
- Single exposure toxicity-respiratory system
- Serious eye damage
- Corrosive to metals
- Oxidizing solids
- Electric shock hazard
Effectiveness: Excellent
- Results are deeply engaging to audience
- Obvious contrast between systems
- Time to results is low
- Good reliability
Difficulty: Medium
- Some concerted manipulation
- Procedures with some intermediate steps
- Demos in which toxic reagents are in use
Safety Precautions:
- Gloves required
- Eye protection required
- Perform in a well-ventilated area
- UL-approved three-prong plug and outlet required
- Absorbent material on hand
- Sodium thiosulfate on hand
- Prevent release of reagents to the environment
- Avoid exposure to gases, vapors, or mists
Class: Kinetics, Equilibrium, Catalysis, Redox, Oscillating reactions
Division: General, Physical Chemistry
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