Term: Haber–Weiss reaction
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.HT06787

Definition:
The Haber–Weiss cycle consists of the following two reactions: H2O2 + OH·H2O + O2− + H+andH2O2 + O2−O2 + OH− + OH· The second reaction achieved notoriety as a possible source of hydroxyl radicals. However, it has a negligible rate constant. It is believed that iron(III) complexes can catalyse this reaction: first, Fe(III) is reduced by superoxide, followed by oxidation by dihydrogen peroxide.

Related Terms:
1) fenton reaction (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.FT06786).
2) rate constant (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.O04322).
3) oxidation (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.O04362).

Source: PAC, 1997, 69, 1251. 'Glossary of terms used in bioinorganic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1997)' on page 1277 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199769061251)

Citation: 'Haber–Weiss 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.HT06787

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