In order to elucidate the mechanism of Ce4+ + BrO3- + H2SO4 + fructose [F] oscillatory reaction which has no apparent bromine removal mechanism. detailed experimental studies have been undertaken to investigate (i) [Br-] at different time intervals during oscillations. (ii) effect of addition of (a) Br- during oscillations. (b) fructose and BrO3- after stoppage of oscillations and (c) tartaric acid [TA], below the lower critical limit of [F] for oscillations. A reaction mechanism has been suggested which involves active participation of free radicals and which also correctly predicts most of the observed oscillatory features. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.