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The Elementary Steps and Rate Expression for the Inner Sphere Mechanism

Ox-X + Red(H2O) Ox--X--Red + H2O

Formation of a precursorcomplex

Ox--X--Red -Ox--X--Red+

Activation of the precursor, and electron transfer

-Ox--X--Red+ + H2O Ox(H2O)- + RedX+

Dissociation to the separated products

The overall reaction can be given by:

k1 is rate limiting, formation of the precursor complex (usually substitution of the bridging ligand for H2O on the Red complex)

k3 is rate determining, electron transfer within the complex, or fission of the successor complex

Both extremes give 2nd order kinetics