Term: Fenton reaction
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.FT06786

Definition:
Fe2+ + H2O2Fe3+ + OH· + OH−. This is the iron-salt-dependent decomposition of dihydrogen peroxide, generating the highly reactive hydroxyl radical, possibly via an oxoiron(IV) intermediate. Addition of a reducing agent, such as ascorbate, leads to a cycle which increases the damage to biological molecules.

Related Terms:
1) haber–weiss reaction (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.HT06787).
2) salt (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.S05447).
3) decomposition (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.D01547).

Source: PAC, 1997, 69, 1251. 'Glossary of terms used in bioinorganic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1997)' on page 1274 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199769061251)

Citation: 'Fenton reaction' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.FT06786

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