autocatalysis

Autocatalysis is a chemical reaction where one of the products of the reaction also acts as a catalyst for that same reaction. This means the reaction speeds itself up as more product is formed.1

In chemistry, catalysis generally refers to the acceleration of a chemical reaction by adding a substance, known as a catalyst, which is not consumed in the reaction itself. Catalysts work by lowering the activation energy required for a reaction to occur. Autocatalytic reactions are a specific type where the product itself fulfills this catalytic role, leading to a self-accelerating process. This is distinct from reactions where an external catalyst is added.213