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 + 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.
• Haber F., Weiss J. (1932). "On the catalysis of hydroperoxide.". Naturwissenschaften 20 948–950.