Proton-coupled electron-transfer oxidation of phenols by hexachloroiridate(IV).

One-electron oxidation of phenol, 2,4,6-trimethylphenol, and 2,6-dimethylphenol by [IrCl(6)](2-) in aqueous solution has a simple pH dependence, indicating slow bimolecular oxidation of ArOH and faster oxidation of ArO(-). H/D kinetic isotope effects as large as 3.5 for oxidation of ArOH support concerted proton-coupled electron transfer with water as the proton acceptor.