Differential approach to the memory-function reaction kinetics

A new formulation of the encounter theory for liquid-phase many-particle re acting systems (MPRS) is developed. This new formulation is based upon the notion of the pair distribution function and results in a set of partial di fferential equations equivalent to the integro-differential equations of th e conventional approach. The solution is greatly improved by considering pa ir-particle interactions. The new formulation is applicable to arbitrary MP RS and allows for a general numerical solution. Applied to the Lotka-Volter ra reaction, this approach revealed damping and increasing oscillations on the concentration, which cannot be seen in the framework of phenomenologica l chemical kinetics. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.