Define complementary and noncomplementary two-electron transfer reactions with the help of suitable examples.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Complementary two-electron transfers occur in two steps, each electron transfer facilitating the next one, like in H2O2 while non-complementary transfers involve the simultaneous transfer of both electrons as in the case of Hydroquinone converting to benzoquinone.

Step by step solution

01

Define complementary two-electron transfer reaction

Complementary two-electron transfer reactions are those in which electrons are transferred one by one, with the first one preparing the ground for the second transfer. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) can illustrate this perfectly as it acts as a reductant and gives away its electrons one by one. It first gives away an electron to a species, letting it turn into OH-, which then sets up the scene for the second electron to be transferred.
02

Define non-complementary two-electron transfer reaction

Unlike foundational characteristics of the complementary reaction, non-complementary two-electron transfer reactions are those where both electrons are transferred in one go. This means the transfer of the first electron doesn’t influence the transfer of the second electron. Hydroquinone can serve as a good example for this. During its reaction with a suitable oxidant, it gives away two electrons together, transforming into benzoquinone.

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