Redox reactions between iron and quinones: Thermodynamic constraints

Iron is the most abundant redox-active metallic element on the earth’s surface. Quinones, a term that encompasses dihydroxybenzenes (catechol and hydroquinone), semiquinone radicals, and benzoquinones, are abundant moieties within natural organic matter. Separately or in concert, iron species (both dissolved and precipitated) and quinones are believed to be key participants in a wide range of environmental redox reactions. Here, we investigate how pH, quinone structure, and iron speciation impose thermodynamic constraints on possible reactions. The steps outlined in this work must be followed to evaluate whether postulated redox processes involving iron and quinones are energetically feasible.