Coincidences in chemical kinetics: Surprising news about simple reactions

摘要

New properties of intersections and coincidences of transient concentration curves were discovered and are presented analytically using the classical consecutive mechanism A→B→C as an example. We identify six different special points, and analyze and classify the six possible (out of 612 combinations) patterns of concentration peak and intersection times and values that distinguish the parameter subdomains and sometimes can eliminate the mechanism. This developed theory is tested on examples (multi-step radioactive decay, isomerization reaction). The mathematical analysis relies on a combination of elementary and symbolic techniques, special functions and numerical approximations.