A mechanism and a model of a ferroin-catalyzed oscillating chemical system are descrined. This reaction presents an excellent example of a far-from-equilibrium system that forms spatial and temporal dissipative structures. The model shows that while the well-stirred system has a unique and stable stationary state, the same reagent spread in a thin layer may form complex spatiotemporal paterns. Stationary periodic patterns of both small and large amplitude, standing waves, and inhomogeneous chaotic oscillations are found in the model.