Catalytic Electron Transfer

The possibilities of obtaining catalysts and catalytic systems for redox hydrogen-transfer reactions are discussed. Use is made of the method of analogy with enzymatic catalysis and modern ideas on electron-transfer reactions. The general requirements to be satisfied by an "optimal" catalyst for hydrogen transfer, the conditions for rapid electron transfer, and some characteristic features of electron transfer in a biochemical oxidation chain are examined. The promising possibilities revealed by this approach for the selection of catalysts and catalytic systems for various reductions are demonstrated. The bibliography contains 206 references.