Catalysis of hydrogen peroxide dceomposition by 2-electron oxidation and reduction

Abstract

A thermodynamical argument is used to support the suggestion made elsewhere that the more common radical chain mechanism for catalysed decomposition of H₂O₂ need not predominate if the catalyst can readily undergo a reversible 2-electron oxidation. How complete the exclusion of free radical formation may be depends upon the redox characteristics of the catalyst and on whether its oxidation by two single-electron steps is readily reversible along the same path.