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Haber-Weiss reaction
Introduction
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 + HO– + O2
The reaction is named after Fritz Haber and his student Joseph Weiss.
References
- Koppenol, W.H. (2001). “The Haber-Weiss cycle – 70 years later”. Redox Report. 6 (4): 229–234. doi:10.1179/135100001101536373.
- Haber F., Weiss J. (1932). “On the catalysis of hydroperoxide”. Naturwissenschaften. 20: 948–950.