Outer-sphere activated complex mechanism

Recent investigations suggest that the exchange of electrons may proceed by at least two different paths. One is called an electron transfer or outer-sphere activated complex mechanism. This envisions the oxidant and reductant coming together in an outer-sphere activated complex and thus permitting the transfer of an electron, Eq. (9). 

Some general observations on the energies and entropies of activation of redox reactions which proceed by bridged activated complexes are in order. These quantities, even for the few systems for which they have been determined, cover the range 4 to 14 kcal and —20 to —45 e.u. respectively. The ranges overlap with those for the outer-sphere activated complexes and, except possibly in extreme cases, it is not safe to use the magnitude of these quantities as diagnostic of mechanism. The comparison of AS for the process... 

A recent observation which may lead to an advance in understanding the operation of the bridged versus outer-sphere activated complex is this Cr(dip)s++ (I43) has been shown to react very rapidly with Co(III) complexes, including Co(NH8)e+++ V (dip)s++ reacts much less rapidly with the same Co (III) complexes. In these reactions we are almost certainly concerned with outer-sphere activated complexes. It will thus be possible to compare rates for the two types of mechanisms for a common group of oxidizing agents which can be formed in great variety. 

Radical intermediates have also been invoked in the mechanism of reduction of thiosulfate by Mn(VII). An outer-sphere activated complex is proposed in the one-electron transfer process leading to 8203" radical formation. Further rapid oxidation of the intermediate by MnO yields SOl. The reaction of S2O3" with [Mo(CN)8l is first order with respect to each reagent and independent of hydrogen ion concentration.Catalysis by metal ions is observed, however, indicative of a bridging role in the activated complex. 

The net reaction for the reduction of Pu(VI) to Pu(V) by Fe(II) is quite simple in spite of this a complicated three-term hydrogen ion dependence was found (56). A mechanism which involves both outer-sphere and inner-sphere activated complexes is favored. The inner-sphere complexes are supported by evidence for consecutive reactions and a binuclear intermediate. 

Activated complex, bridged, redox reaction mechanisms and, 19-32 outer-sphere, redox reaction mechanisms and, 12-19... 

The aquation of [IrCl6]2- to [Er( E120)C1S] and Ir(H20)2Cl4 has been found to activate the complex toward the oxidation of insulin in acidic solutions, with measured rate constant of 25,900 and 8,400 Lmol-1 s 1, respectively.50 The oxidation reaction proceeds via an outer-sphere mechanism. 

Traditionally, electron transfer processes in solution and at surfaces have been classified into outer-sphere and inner-sphere mechanisms (1). However, the experimental basis for the quantitative distinction between these mechanisms is not completely clear, especially when electron transfer is not accompanied by either atom or ligand transfer (i.e., the bridged activated complex). We wish to describe how the advantage of using organometals and alkyl radicals as electron donors accrues from the wide structural variations in their donor abilities and steric properties which can be achieved as a result of branching the alkyl moiety at either the a- or g-carbon centers. 

The most important single development in the understanding of the mechanisms of redox reactions has probably been the recognition and establishment of outer-sphere and inner-sphere processes. Outer-sphere electron transfer involves intact (although not completely undisturbed) coordination shells of the reactants. In inner-sphere redox reactions, there are marked changes in the coordination spheres of the reactants in the formation of the activated complex. 

Only in a limited number of instances will the value of k and its associated parameters be useful in diagnosing mechanism. When the redox rate is faster than substitution within either reactant, we can be fairly certain that an outer-sphere mechanism holds. This is the case with Fe + and RuCP+ oxidation of V(II) and with rapid electron transfer between inert partners. On the other hand, when the activation parameters for substitution and redox reactions of one of the reactants are similar, an inner-sphere redox reaction, controlled by replacement, is highly likely. This appears to be the case with the oxidation by a number of Co(III) complexes of V(II), confirmed in some instanees by the appearance of the requisite V(III) complex, e.g. 

This account is concerned with the rate and mechanism of the important group of reactions involving metal complex formation. Since the bulk of the studies have been performed in aqueous solution, the reaction will generally refer, specifically, to the replacement of water in the coordination sphere of the metal ion, usually octahedral, by another ligand. The participation of outer sphere complexes (ion pair formation) as intermediates in the formation of inner sphere complexes has been considered for some time (122). Thermodynamic, and kinetic studies of the slowly reacting cobalt(III) and chromium(III) complexes (45, 122) indicate active participation of outer sphere complexes. However, the role of outer sphere complexes in the reactions of labile metal complexes and their general importance in complex formation (33, 34, 41, 111) had to await modern techniques for the study of very rapid reactions. Little evidence has appeared so far for direct participation of the... 

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