I just read about the theory of auto-catalysis, and here's one thing which is sort of unclear to me:
In this type of catalysis, one of the reaction product catalyses the reaction. For example, in the oxidation of oxalic acid by potassium permanganate, Mn(II) cation is formed which is known to accelerate the reaction. So when potassium permanganate is added to a warm solution of oxalic acid in presence of dilute sulphuric acid (acid medium catalysis), initially there is a time lag before decolourisation occurs. As more permanganate is added, the decolourisation is observed to be nearly instantaneous.
Points I didn't understand:
How does the formation of Mn(II) cation accelerate the reaction? Could someone please help me with understanding the mechanism?
What is the reason for time lag in decolourisation of the solution? Also, what exactly do they mean by decolourisation here? My guess is that it's referring to the bright purple coloured permanganate solution losing its colour after getting reduced to Mn(II) cation.
How does the time lag reduce? Are there ways to estimate or determine the same? Of course, it'd depend on the reaction kinetics; but I'm looking for a mathematical viewpoint on how the catalyst influences reaction kinetics, except for decreasing the activation energy.
Thank you.