Abstract
We demonstrate a novel mechanism for controlling the frequency, amplitude, and existence of chemical oscillations. Using a ferrocyanide-iodate-sulfite reaction, we show that a chemical buffer can increase or decrease the frequency of oscillations. Furthermore, the same buffer can completely suppress or, conversely, induce oscillations when added to the appropriate composition. This simple buffering scheme can provide a practical method for controlling the oscillations of a variety of chemical and biological systems.