Like iron, cobalt can form complexes in both +2 and +3 oxidation states, and the

Question

Like iron, cobalt can form complexes in both +2 and +3 oxidation states, and the redox potentials for the M2+/M3+ couple are generally comparable for both metals. As we have seen, the Fe2+/Fe3+ couple is used in a wide variety of electron transfer proteins, including both Fe-S proteins like the ferredoxins and home proteins like the cytochromes. In contrast, an electron-transfer protein based on the Co2+/Co3+ couple has never been isolated. There are sound chemical reasons why cobalt is unsuitable for used in an electron transfer protein. What are they?

Explanation / Answer

Co(III)/Co(II) is greater standard reduction potential value, so Co3+ can acts as strong oxidizing agent. Because of strong oxidizing nature cobalt(III) ion is not suitable for used in an electron transfer protein. Co3+ has strong oxidizing nature it can oxidize many of the protiens and it can destruct the protiens and body parts.

KMnO4 potassium permanganate is also strong oxidizing agent as it has 1.51 V standard reductional potential in acidic medium. It is widely used as oxidizing agent in many organic reactions.

Co3+/Co2+ has 1.82V standard reduction potential, this indicates it is strong oxidizing agent than KMnO4. Due to its strong oxidizing nature Co3+ is not suitable for electron transfer protiens.

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