Haber–Weiss reaction

The Haber–Weiss reaction generates •OH (hydroxyl radicals) from H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) and superoxide (•O2). This reaction can occur in cells and is therefore a possible source for oxidative stress. The reaction is very slow, but is catalyzed by iron. The first step of the catalytic cycle involves reduction of ferric ion to ferrous:

Fe3+ + •O2 → Fe2+ + O2

The second step is the Fenton reaction:

Fe2+ + H2O2 → Fe3+ + OH + •OH

Net reaction:

•O2 + H2O2 → •OH + OH + O2

The reaction is named after Fritz Haber and his student Joseph Joshua Weiss.

References


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