Magnetic resonance imaging of a magnetic field-dependent chemical wave

The magnetic field dependence of the travelling wave formed during the reaction of (ethylenediaminetetraacetato)cobalt(II) (Co(II)EDTA2−) and hydrogen peroxide was studied using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The reaction was investigated in a vertical tube, in which the wave was initiated from above. The wave propagated downwards, initially with a flat wavefront before forming a finger. Magnetic field effects were observed only once the finger had formed. The wave propagation was accelerated by a magnetic field with a negative gradient (i.e., when the field was stronger at the top of the tube than at the bottom) and slightly decelerated by positive field gradients.