Ca2+‐Induced Oxygen Generation by FeO42− at pH 9–10

Although FeO₄^2? (ferrate(IV)) is a very strong oxidant that readily oxidizes water in acidic medium, at pH 9–10 it is relatively stable (<2 % decomposition after 1 h at 298 K). However, FeO₄^2? is readily activated by Ca²⁺ at pH 9–10 to generate O₂. The reaction has the following rate law: dO₂]/dt=k_CaCa²⁺]FeO₄^2?]². ¹⁸O‐labeling experiments show that both O atoms in O₂ come from FeO₄^2?. These results together with DFT calculations suggest that the function of Ca²⁺ is to facilitate O–O coupling between two FeO₄^2‐ions by bridging them together. Similar activating effects are also observed with Mg²⁺ and Sr²⁺.