The Effect of Slow Two‐Electron Transfers and Disproportionation on Cyclic Voltammograms

The EE mechanism (two‐electron transfer) for cyclic voltammetry was investigated in considerable detail along with the effect of disproportionation. The theory was developed for either the first or second electron transfer being slow while the other one was reversible. It was possible to develop generalized working curves for the height and shape of the wave regardless of the difference in Eo's and the values of α and Ks. This theory was then applied to the analysis of the reduction of benzil in the presence of alkaline earth ions in dimethylformamide.