The possibility of oscillations in the concentration of a reactant species in a transfer reaction is investigated. Analytic expressions are derived for the concentration of the reenctant species as a function of time, taking into account.the probability of formation of the reaction complex, the probability of turmeiing and the probability of dissociation of the complex. A par?icle in a symmetric double-we!! potentiaf,'such as a proton in a symmetric hydrogen bond, may oscillate be-iWeen the two potential energy minima. As a consequence of this, it is shown that under certain conditions the concentration of the reactant in t&c trxnsfer reaction may oscillate with time.
It is weI1 known that in coupled chemicaf reactions invoiving feedback, oscillations in the concentrations cf some of the species 1may occur. Can oscillations in the concentrations of reactants or products occur in simpfe transfer reactions? In a typical proton transfer reaction, fust a hydrogen bond is formed between zhe two r&ctants. Second, the proton may tunnel through the potential er.egy barrier and tinder certain conditions may oscillate between the two potential energy minima [I-3].
Third, the hydrogen bond dissociates, giving rise to two products. ft is the purpose of this paper to investigate whether there are conditions under which the concentration of a reactant in &is simpfe transfer reaction may oscillate with. time. We will study reaction kinetics which takes into account formation of the reaction complex, tunnel-' ' .