Definition

A process in which a chemical reaction is sped up by one of the products formed during that reaction.

Example

In the lab, we observed autocatalysis when the product of the reaction increased its own rate.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of autocatalysis?

Yeah, I read that it's when a product of a reaction speeds it up.

Exactly! It's pretty fascinating how nature uses autocatalysis in some processes.

I agree! It really shows how interconnected everything is in chemistry.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Autocatalysis is formed from "auto-" (from Greek "αὐτός", meaning self) and "catalysis" (from Greek "καταλύσις", meaning dissolution or breaking down). The term describes a process where a reaction is catalyzed by one of its products, effectively meaning self-catalyzing.

Memory Tip

Think of 'self' ('auto-') helping to 'break down' ('catalysis') a reaction — that's why autocatalysis means a reaction that helps itself.

Visually Confused Words