Concerted Proton-coupled Electron Transfer Mechanism Research Articles

Zinc-indium-sulfide favors efficient C − H bond activation by concerted proton-coupled electron transfer

C − H bond activation is a ubiquitous reaction that remains a major challenge in chemistry. Although semiconductor-based photocatalysis is promising, the C − H bond activation mechanism remains elusive. Herein, we report value-added coupling products from a wide variety of biomass and fossil-derived reagents, formed via C − H bond activation over zinc-indium-sulfides (Zn-In-S). Contrary to the commonly accepted stepwise electron-proton transfer pathway (PE-ET) for semiconductors, our experimental and theoretical studies evidence a concerted proton-coupled electron transfer (CPET) pathway. A pioneering microkinetic study, considering the relevant elementary steps of the surface chemistry, reveals a faster C − H activation with Zn-In-S because of circumventing formation of a charged radical, as it happens in PE-ET where it retards the catalysis due to strong site adsorption. For CPET over Zn-In-S, H abstraction, forming a neutral radical, is rate-limiting, but having lower energy barriers than that of PE-ET. The rate expressions derived from the microkinetics provide guidelines to rationally design semiconductor catalysis, e.g., for C − H activation, that is based on the CPET mechanism.

Concerted proton-coupled electron transfer promotes NiCoP nanowire arrays for efficient overall water splitting at industrial-level current density

Inspired by the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) in photosystem II (PS-II), self-supported Fe-doped NiCoP nanowire arrays modified with carboxylate (NCFCP@NF) is constructed to boost industrial-level overall water splitting by the concerted proton-coupled electron transfer (c-PET) mechanism. NCFCP@NF exhibits 283 mV at the current density of 3000 mA cm−2 for HER, which is attributed to the H2O adsorption sites provided by Fe and Ni, as well as the electrons provided by carboxyl ligand. Also, NCFCP@NF shows remarkable OER catalytic activity with overpotential of 329 mV to afford 3000 mA cm−2. Herein, the introduction of Fe promotes the formation of *OOH, and carboxyl ligand accelerate the deprotonation process of OER. Furthermore, NCFCP@NF displays the ultralong durability (200 h) at 1000 mA cm−2 for overall water splitting. This study offers a new perspective on designing efficient overall water splitting catalyst at the industrial-level current density by the concerted proton-coupled electron transfer mechanism.

Hydrocarbon Oxidation by a Porphyrin-π-Cation Radical Complex.

Heme and chlorin π-cation radical oxidants are widely implicated in biological and synthetic oxidation catalysis. Little insight into the role of π-cation radicals in proton coupled electron transfer (PCET) oxidation is available. We prepared a NiII-porphyrin-π-cation complex ([NiII(P•+)]) and found it to be capable of the oxidation of a variety of simple hydrocarbon substrates. Interestingly, some of the products were hydroxylated, with ([NiII(P•+)]) working in concert with atmospheric O2 to yield hydroxylated hydrocarbons. Kinetic data suggested that the porphyrin-π-cation radical species oxidised substrates via a concerted PCET mechanism, where the nickel porphyrin-π-cation radical accepted the electron, and the proton was transferred to a free anion. Our findings highlight the potential role of π-cation radicals as hydrocarbon activators, demonstrating that porphyrin ligand non-innocence could be a readily manipulated resource for oxidation catalyst development.

Hydrocarbon Oxidation by a Porphyrin‐π‐Cation Radical Complex

AbstractHeme and chlorin π‐cation radical oxidants are widely implicated in biological and synthetic oxidation catalysis. Little insight into the role of π‐cation radicals in proton coupled electron transfer (PCET) oxidation is available. We prepared a NiII‐porphyrin‐π‐cation complex ([NiII(P⋅+)]) and found it to be capable of the oxidation of a variety of simple hydrocarbon substrates. Interestingly, some of the products were hydroxylated, with ([NiII(P⋅+)]) working in concert with atmospheric O2 to yield hydroxylated hydrocarbons. Kinetic data suggested that the porphyrin‐π‐cation radical species oxidised substrates through a concerted PCET mechanism, where the porphyrin‐π‐cation radical accepted the electron, and the proton was transferred to a free anion. Our findings highlight the potential role of π‐cation radicals as hydrocarbon activators, demonstrating that porphyrin ligand non‐innocence could be a readily manipulated resource for oxidation catalyst development.

Reactivity of trans-Resveratrol toward Electrogenerated Superoxide in N,N-Dimethylformamide.

The reactivity of 5-[(E)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethen-1-yl]benzene-1,3-diol (trans-resveratrol) and related compounds toward electrogenerated superoxide radical anion (O2•-) were investigated using electrochemistry, in situ electrolytic electron spin resonance, and in situ electrolytic ultraviolet-visible spectral measurements, in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) with the aid of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The quasi-reversible cyclic voltammogram of dioxygen/O2•- was modified by the presence of trans-resveratrol, suggesting that the electrogenerated O2•- was scavenged by trans-resveratrol through proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) via three phenolic hydroxy groups (OH) on the stilbene moiety. The reactivity of trans-resveratrol toward O2•- characterized by the OHs was experimentally confirmed in comparative analyses using some related compounds, pinosylvin, pterostilbene, p-coumaric acid, and so on, in DMF. The electrochemical and DFT results suggested that a concerted PCET mechanism via 4'OH of trans-resveratrol proceeds, where the coplanarity of the two phenolic rings in the stilbene moiety linked by an ethylene bridge is essential for a successful O2•- scavenging.

Mussel-inspired binder with concerted proton-electron transfer for pH-universal overall H2O2 synthesis

Despite being an essential component for attaching powders or films in various electrode preparations, binders hardly have received attention. Due to the poor adherence and environmental adaptation of binder, the shedding of the materials during application causes a diminishing performance and poor environmental tolerance. Inspired by the catechol in mussels, we offer a one-step prepared polydopamine (PDA) binder with intrinsically strong stickiness throughout the entire pH value. The electrolytic preparation rates for H2O2 displayed a W-shaped pattern at an increasing overall pH value, which is the concerted proton-coupled electron transfer mechanism, as we investigated the environmental tolerance of the PDA binder (PCET). Our work will draw more attention to binders and PDA binders, and provide a descriptor for the effect of electrolytes on electrocatalytic activity.

Reactivities of 1,2-, 1,3-, and 1,4-dihydroxynaphthalenes toward electrogenerated superoxide in N,N-dimethylformamide through proton-coupled electron transfer

We have carried out an electrochemical and theoretical study on the reactivity of 1,2-, 1,3-, and 1,4-dihydroxynaphthalenes (1nH2NQ, n = 2, 3, 4) toward electrogenerated superoxide radical anion (O2•−) in N,N-dimethylformamide. Cyclicvoltammetry and in situ electrolytic electron spin resonance measurements revealed that the quinone–hydroquinone π-conjugation plays an important role in a successful O2•− scavenging by 12H2NQ and 14H2NQ through proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reaction. The reactivities of 12H2NQ and 14H2NQ toward O2•− were mediated by the ortho- (catechol) or para-diphenol (hydroquinone) moieties, as experimentally confirmed in comparative analyses with catechol, hydroquinone, and 13H2NQ, aided by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The electrochemical and DFT results suggested that a concerted PCET mechanism involving two-proton transfers and one-electron transfer proceeds, demonstrating a successful O2•− scavenging by 12H2NQ and 14H2NQ. Furthermore, a subsequent electron transfer between molecular dioxygen and product-naphthoquinone-radicals was observed, where O2•− was regenerated. The DFT analysis suggested that the spin distribution on the planar naphthalene ring embodies the superior kinetics of the PCET and the subsequent generation of O2•− from dioxygen demonstrated in the electrochemical results.

Combining Structural with Functional Model Properties in Iron Synthetic Analogue Complexes for the Active Site in Rabbit Lipoxygenase.

Iron complexes that model the structural and functional properties of the active iron site in rabbit lipoxygenase are described. The ligand sphere of the mononuclear pseudo-octahedral cis-(carboxylato)(hydroxo)iron(III) complex, which is completed by a tetraazamacrocyclic ligand, reproduces the first coordination shell of the active site in the enzyme. In addition, two corresponding iron(II) complexes are presented that differ in the coordination of a water molecule. In their structural and electronic properties, both the (hydroxo)iron(III) and the (aqua)iron(II) complex reflect well the only two essential states found in the enzymatic mechanism of peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, the ferric complex is shown to undergo hydrogen atom abstraction reactions with O-H and C-H bonds of suitable substrates, and the bond dissociation free energy of the coordinated water ligand of the ferrous complex is determined to be 72.4 kcal·mol-1. Theoretical investigations of the reactivity support a concerted proton-coupled electron transfer mechanism in close analogy to the initial step in the enzymatic mechanism. The propensity of the (hydroxo)iron(III) complex to undergo H atom abstraction reactions is the basis for its catalytic function in the aerobic peroxidation of 2,4,6-tri(tert-butyl)phenol and its role as a radical initiator in the reaction of dihydroanthracene with oxygen.

Theoretical Description of the Primary Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer Reaction in the Cytochrome bc1 Complex.

The cytochrome bc1 complex is a transmembrane enzymatic protein complex that plays a central role in cellular energy production and is present in both photosynthetic and respiratory chain organelles. Its reaction mechanism is initiated by the binding of a quinol molecule to an active site, followed by a series of charge transfer reactions between the quinol and protein subunits. Previous work hypothesized that the primary reaction was a concerted proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reaction because of the apparent absence of intermediate states associated with single proton or electron transfer reactions. In the present study, the kinetics of the primary bc1 complex PCET reaction is investigated with a vibronically nonadiabatic PCET theory in conjunction with all-atom molecular dynamics simulations and electronic structure calculations. The computed rate constants and relatively high kinetic isotope effects are consistent with experimental measurements on related biomimetic systems. The analysis implicates a concerted PCET mechanism with significant hydrogen tunneling and nonadiabatic effects in the bc1 complex. Moreover, the employed theoretical framework is shown to serve as a general strategy for describing PCET reactions in bioenergetic systems.

Theoretical Study of Shallow Distance Dependence of Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer in Oligoproline Peptides.

Long-range electron transfer is coupled to proton transfer in a wide range of chemically and biologically important processes. Recently the proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) rate constants for a series of biomimetic oligoproline peptides linking Ru(bpy)32+ to tyrosine were shown to exhibit a substantially shallower dependence on the number of proline spacers compared to the analogous electron transfer (ET) systems. The experiments implicated a concerted PCET mechanism involving intramolecular electron transfer from tyrosine to Ru(bpy)33+ and proton transfer from tyrosine to a hydrogen phosphate dianion. Herein these PCET systems, as well as the analogous ET systems, are studied with microsecond molecular dynamics, and the ET and PCET rate constants are calculated with the corresponding nonadiabatic theories. The molecular dynamics simulations illustrate that smaller ET donor-acceptor distances are sampled by the PCET systems than by the analogous ET systems. The shallower dependence of the PCET rate constant on the ET donor-acceptor distance is explained in terms of an additional positive, distance-dependent electrostatic term in the PCET driving force, which attenuates the rate constant at smaller distances. This electrostatic term depends on the change in the electrostatic interaction between the charges on each end of the bridge and can be modified by altering these charges. On the basis of these insights, this theory predicted a less shallow distance dependence of the PCET rate constant when imidazole rather than hydrogen phosphate serves as the proton acceptor, even though their pKa values are similar. This theoretical prediction was subsequently validated experimentally, illustrating that long-range electron transfer processes can be tuned by modifying the nature of the proton acceptor in concerted PCET processes. This level of control has broad implications for the design of more effective charge-transfer systems.

High-Valent d7 NiIII versus d8 CuIII Oxidants in PCET.

Oxygenases have been postulated to utilize d4 FeIV and d8 CuIII oxidants in proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) hydrocarbon oxidation. In order to explore the influence the metal ion and d-electron count can hold over the PCET reactivity, two metastable high-valent metal-oxygen adducts, [NiIII(OAc)(L)] (1b) and [CuIII(OAc)(L)] (2b), L = N,N'-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-2,6-pyridinedicarboxamidate, were prepared from their low-valent precursors [NiII(OAc)(L)]- (1a) and [CuII(OAc)(L)]- (2a). The complexes 1a/b-2a/b were characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared, electron paramagnetic resonance, X-ray diffraction, and absorption spectroscopies and mass spectrometry. Both complexes were capable of activating substrates through a concerted PCET mechanism (hydrogen atom transfer, HAT, or concerted proton and electron transfer, CPET). The reactivity of 1b and 2b toward a series of para-substituted 2,6-di-tert-butylphenols (p-X-2,6-DTBP; X = OCH3, C(CH3)3, CH3, H, Br, CN, NO2) was studied, showing similar rates of reaction for both complexes. In the oxidation of xanthene, the d8 CuIII oxidant displayed a small increase in the rate constant compared to that of the d7 NiIII oxidant. The d8 CuIII oxidant was capable of oxidizing a large family of hydrocarbon substrates with bond dissociation enthalpy (BDEC-H) values up to 90 kcal/mol. It was previously observed that exchanging the ancillary anionic donor ligand in such complexes resulted in a 20-fold enhancement in the rate constant, an observation that is further enforced by comparison of 1b and 2b to the literature precedents. In contrast, we observed only minor differences in the rate constants upon comparing 1b to 2b. It was thus concluded that in this case the metal ion has a minor impact, while the ancillary donor ligand yields more kinetic control over HAT/CPET oxidation.

Proton Acceptor near the Active Site Lowers Dramatically the O-O Bond Formation Energy Barrier in Photocatalytic Water Splitting.

The O–O bond formation process via water nucleophilic attack represents a thermodynamic and kinetic bottleneck in photocatalytic water oxidation because of the considerably high activation free energy barrier. It is therefore of fundamental significance and yet challenging to find strategies to facilitate this reaction. The microscopic details of the photocatalytic water oxidation step involving the O–O bond formation in a catalyst–dye supramolecular complex are here elucidated by density functional theory-based Car–Parrinello molecular dynamics simulations in the presence of an extra proton acceptor. Introducing a proton acceptor group (OH–) in the hydration shell near the catalytic active site accelerates the rate-limiting O–O bond formation by inducing a cooperative event proceeding via a concerted proton-coupled electron-transfer mechanism and thus significantly lowering the activation free energy barrier. The in-depth insight provides a strategy for facilitating the photocatalytic water oxidation and for improving the efficiency of dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical cells.

High charge transfer response of g-C3N4/Ag/AgCl/BiVO4 microstructure for the selective photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CH4 under alkali activation

This study revealed the fabrication of a flower-shaped g-C3N4/Ag/AgCl/BiVO4 (CAB) microstructure and its application for the selective photocatalytic conversion of CO2 to CH4. The morphology of CAB revealed flower-shaped microstructures with size ranging from 3 to 5 µm. The photoelectrochemically optimized CAB-1 microstructure, containing AgNO3 = 3 g L−1 and g-C3N4 = 0.025 g, showed the highest photocurrent density (17.4 mA cm−2) at a low applied potential which is several folds larger than bare g-C3N4 and BiVO4. After activating the CO2 adsorption on the CAB-1 surface with 0.2 M NaOH, the achieved rate of photocatalytic CH4 formation was ∼205 µmol h−1 g−1 with 100% selectivity. The mechanistic study, comprising Mott-Schottky measurements and isotope labeling experiment, revealed that the selective CO2 reduction takes place by concerted proton-coupled electron transfer mechanism. The Ag/AgCl acted as an electron-hole mediator after BiVO4 forms a Schottky barrier with Ag, and AgCl provided a polarization effect.

Pourbaix diagrams in weakly coupled systems: a case study involving acridinol and phenanthridinol pseudobases

The thermodynamics of proton‐coupled electron transfer (PCET) in weakly coupled organic pseudobases was investigated using 2,7‐dimethyl‐9‐hydroxy‐9‐phenyl‐10‐tolyl‐9,10‐dihydroacridine (AcrOH) and 6‐phenylphenanthridinol (PheOH) as model compounds. Pourbaix diagrams for two model compounds were constructed using the oxidation potentials and the pKa values obtained, respectively, from cyclic voltammetry and photometric titrations. Our comparative study reveals the importance of having the redox active –N center closer to –OH functionality on the thermodynamics of PCET process: PheOH exhibits a wider range of pH values (pH = 2.8 to 13.3) in which both the alcohol and the corresponding alkoxy radical are expected to coexist in solution. This result indicates that a concerted mechanism is more likely to be discovered in pseudobases analogous to PheOH. The thermochemical data also indicate that the concerted PCET mechanism cannot be achieved if water is used as the proton acceptor: assuming the pKa of hydronium ions as −1.7, the PCET involving PheOH or AcrOH as proton/electron donors and water as the proton acceptor is expected to follow the stepwise ET/PT mechanism. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Kinetic isotope effect of proton-coupled electron transfer in a hydrogen bonded phenol-pyrrolidino[60]fullerene.

Proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) plays a central role in photosynthesis and potentially in solar-to-fuel systems. We report a spectroscopy study on a phenol-pyrrolidino[60]fullerene. Quenching of the singlet excited state from 1 ns to 250 ps is assigned to PCET. A H/D exchange study reveals a kinetic isotope effect (KIE) of 3.0, consistent with a concerted PCET mechanism.

Proton-coupled electron transfer in molecular electrocatalysis: theoretical methods and design principles.

Molecular electrocatalysts play an essential role in a wide range of energy conversion processes. The objective of electrocatalyst design is to maximize the turnover frequency and minimize the overpotential for the overall catalytic cycle. Typically, the catalytic cycle is dominated by key proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) processes comprised of sequential or concerted electron and proton transfer steps. Theoretical methods have been developed to investigate the mechanisms, thermodynamics, and kinetics of PCET processes in electrocatalytic cycles. Electronic structure methods can be used to calculate the reduction potentials and pKa's and to generate thermodynamic schemes, free energy reaction pathways, and Pourbaix diagrams, which indicate the most stable species under certain conditions. These types of calculations have assisted in identifying the thermodynamically favorable mechanisms under specified experimental conditions, such as acid strength and overpotential. Such calculations have also revealed linear correlations among the thermodynamic properties, which can be used to predict the impact of modifying the ligands, substituents, or metal centers. The thermodynamic properties can be tuned with electron-withdrawing or electron-donating substituents. Ligand modification can exploit the role of noninnocent ligands. For example, ligand protonation typically decreases the overpotential. Calculations of rate constants for electron and proton transfer, as well as concerted PCET, have assisted in identifying the kinetically favorable mechanisms under specified conditions. The concerted PCET mechanism is thought to lower the overpotential required for catalysis by avoiding high-energy intermediates. Rate constant calculations have revealed that the concerted mechanism involving intramolecular proton transfer will be favored by designing more flexible ligands that facilitate the proton donor-acceptor motion while also maintaining a sufficiently short equilibrium proton donor-acceptor distance. Overall, theoretical methods have assisted in the interpretation of experimental data and the design of more effective molecular electrocatalysts.

Theoretical Design of Molecular Electrocatalysts with Flexible Pendant Amines for Hydrogen Production and Oxidation

The design of hydrogen oxidation and production electrocatalysts is important for the development of alternative renewable energy sources. The overall objective is to maximize the turnover frequency and minimize the overpotential. We use computational methods to examine a variety of nickel-based molecular electrocatalysts with pendant amines. Our studies focus on the proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) process involving electron transfer between the complex and the electrode and intramolecular proton transfer between the nickel center and the nitrogen of the pendant amine. The concerted PCET mechanism, which tends to require a lower overpotential, is favored by a smaller equilibrium Ni-N distance and a more flexible pendant amine ligand, thereby decreasing the energetic penalty for the nitrogen to approach the nickel center for proton transfer. Our calculations provide predictions about designing catalysts that incorporate these properties. These design principles will be useful for developing the next generation of hydrogen catalysts.

Theoretical studies on concerted versus two steps hydrogen atom transfer reaction by non-heme MnIV/IIIO complexes: how important is the oxo ligand basicity in the C–H activation step?

High-valent metal-oxo complexes have been extensively studied over the years due to their intriguing properties and their abundant catalytic potential. The majority of the catalytic reactions performed by these metal-oxo complexes involves a C-H activation step and extensive efforts over the years have been undertaken to understand the mechanistic aspects of this step. The C-H activation by metal-oxo complexes proceeds via a hydrogen atom transfer reaction and this could happen by multiple pathways, (i) via a proton-transfer followed by an electron transfer (PT-ET), (ii) via an electron-transfer followed by a proton transfer (ET-PT), (iii) via a concerted proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) mechanism. Identifying the right mechanism is a surging topic in this area and here using [Mn(III)H3buea(O)](2-) (1) and [Mn(IV)H3buea(O)](-) (2) species (where H3buea = tris[(N'-tert-butylureaylato)-N-ethylene]aminato) and its C-H activation reaction with dihydroanthracene (DHA), we have explored the mechanism of hydrogen atom transfer reactions. The experimental kinetic data reported earlier (T. H. Parsell, M.-Y. Yang and A. S. Borovik, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2009, 131, 2762) suggests that the mechanism between 1 and 2 is drastically different. By computing the transition states, reaction energies and by analyzing the wavefunction of the reactant and transitions states, we authenticate the proposal that the Mn(III)=O undergoes a step wise PT-ET mechanism where as the Mn(IV)=O species undergo a concerted PCET mechanism. Both the species pass through a [Mn(III)-OH] intermediate and the stability of this species hold the key to the difference in the reactivity. The electronic origin for the difference in reactivity is routed back to the strength and basicity of the Mn-oxo bond and the computed results are in excellent agreement with the experimental results.

Mechanistic insight into catalytic oxidations of organic compounds by ruthenium(iv)-oxo complexes with pyridylamine ligands

A series of Ru(IV)-oxo complexes (4–6) were synthesized from the corresponding Ru(II)-aqua complexes (1–3) and fully characterized by 1H NMR and resonance Raman spectroscopies, and ESI-MS spectrometry. Based on the diamagnetic character confirmed by the 1H NMR spectroscopy in D2O, the spin states of 5 and 6 were determined to be S = 0 in the d4 configuration, in sharp contrast to that of 4 being in the S = 1 spin state. The aqua-complexes 1–3 catalyzed oxidation of alcohols and olefins using (NH4)2[CeIV(NO3)6] (CAN) as an electron-transfer oxidant in acidic aqueous solutions. Comparison of the reactivity of electrochemically generated oxo-complexes (4–6) was made in the light of kinetic analyses for oxidation of 1-propanol and a water-soluble ethylbenzene derivative. The oxo complexes (4–6) exhibited no significant difference in the reactivity for the oxidation reactions, judging from the similar catalytic rates and the activation parameters. The slight difference observed in the reaction rates can be accounted for by the difference in the reduction potentials of the oxo-complexes, but the spin states of the oxo-complexes have hardly affected the reactivity. The activation parameters and the kinetic isotope effects (KIE) observed for the oxidation reactions of methanol indicate that the oxidation reactions of alcohols with the RuIVO complexes proceed via a concerted proton-coupled electron transfer mechanism.

Studies on electron transfer reactions: oxidation of phenol and ring-substituted phenols by heteropoly 11-tungstophosphovanadate(V) in aqueous acidic medium

The kinetics of oxidation of phenol and a few ring-substituted phenols by heteropoly 11-tungstophosphovanadate(V), [PVVW11O40]4− (HPA) have been studied spectrophotometrically in aqueous acidic medium containing perchloric acid and also in acetate buffers of several pH values at 25 °C. EPR and optical studies show that HPA is reduced to the one-electron reduced heteropoly blue (HPB) [PVIVW11O40]5−. In acetate buffers, the build up and decay of the intermediate biphenoquinone show the generation of phenoxyl radical (ArO·) in the rate-determining step. At constant pH, the reaction shows simple second-order kinetics with first-order dependence of rate on both [ArOH] and [HPA]. At constant [ArOH], the rate of the reaction increases with increase in pH. The plot of apparent second-order rate constant, k 2, versus 1/[H+] is linear with finite intercept. This shows that both the undissociated phenol (ArOH) and the phenoxide ion (ArO−) are the reactive species. The ArO−–HPA reaction is the dominant pathway in acetate buffer and it proceeds through the OH− ion triggered sequential proton transfer followed by electron transfer (PT-ET) mechanism. The rate constant for ArO−–HPA reaction, calculated using Marcus theory, agrees fairly well with the experimental value. The reactivity of substituted phenoxide ions correlates with the Hammett σ+ constants, and ρ value was found to be −4.8. In acidic medium, ArOH is the reactive species. Retardation of rate for the oxidation of C6H5OD in D2O indicates breaking of the O–H bond in the rate-limiting step. The results of kinetic studies show that the HPA-ArOH reaction proceeds through a concerted proton-coupled electron transfer mechanism in which water acts as proton acceptor (separated-CPET).