Homogeneous redox catalysis of electrochemical reactions electron transfers followed by a very fast chemical step

Abstract

Homogeneous redox catalysis of electrochemical reactions can be used as a means for characterizing very short-lived intermediates formed upon electron transfer with the electron-transfers reagent. What happens when the reaction following the electron-transfer step is so fast that it takes place within the molecular diffusion layer (solvent cage) is discussed and illustrated with previously reported experimental data. The problem of the transition between a sequential electron transfer -chemical reaction mechanism and a concerted mechanism is also addressed.