Disproportionation Reaction
A redox reaction in which a single species is simultaneously oxidised and reduced.
Formula / equation
2A → A⁺ + A⁻
Unit
Dimensionless
In depth
Disproportionation requires an element in an intermediate oxidation state with both a higher and a lower state accessible. It is thermodynamically favourable when the potential for reduction exceeds that for oxidation, a condition read directly from a Frost or Latimer diagram.
Examples in the real world
Cl₂ + 2NaOH → NaCl + NaOCl + H₂O, chlorine going to both −1 and +1; 2H₂O₂ → 2H₂O + O₂.