Fe3+ + OH. + OH−.
This is the iron-salt-dependent
decomposition of dihydrogen peroxide, generating the highly reactive
hydroxyl radical, possibly via an oxoiron(IV) intermediate. Addition
of a reducing agent, such as ascorbate, leads to a cycle which
increases the damage to biological molecules.
See also: Haber-Weiss reaction
Source:
PAC, 1997, 69, 1251
(Glossary of terms used in bioinorganic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1997))
on page 1274