autocatalytic reaction

A chemical reaction in which a product (or a reaction intermediate ) also functions as a catalyst. In such a reaction the observed rate of reaction is often found to increase with time from its initial value.
See: order of reaction
Source:
PAC, 1994, 66, 1077 (Glossary of terms used in physical organic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1994)) on page 1087
PAC, 1993, 65, 2291 (Nomenclature of kinetic methods of analysis (IUPAC Recommendations 1993)) on page 2292