Experimentally measured
rate constants, k
12
obsd, for
the reductions of [Ni(III)tripeptides(H2O)2] with
Fe(CN)6
4–, Mo(CN)8
4–, and W(CN)8
4– are 102 to
105 times faster than the calculated rate constants with
the Marcus theory for outer-sphere electron-transfer processes, k
12
calc, even when work terms are
considered. This gives rise to a kinetic advantage of k
12
obsd/k
12
calc = 102–105, which is consistent
with an inner-sphere electron-transfer mechanism via a bridged intermediate.
In addition, k
12
obsd values
are nearly independent of the electrochemical driving force of the
reactions. This is consistent with one of the two axial water ligands
coordinated to [Ni(III)tripeptides(H2O)2] being
substituted in the rate-limiting step to form bridged intermediates
of the type [(CN)5or7M-(CN)-NiIII(tripeptide)(H2O)]4– with M = FeII, MoIV, or WIV. A limiting rate constant of H2O replacement
from [Ni(III)tripeptides(H2O)2] of (5 ±
2) × 107 M–1 s–1 at 25.0 °C is observed. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectra
of Ni(III) peptide complexes in the presence of Fe(CN)6
3–, Mo(CN)8
3–, or
IrCl6
3– provide evidence for the cyanide-bridged
intermediates. Substitution-limited electron-transfer reactions could
serve as an additional criterion for inner-sphere pathways when atom
or group transfer does not occur during electron-transfer and when
precursor and successor complexes cannot be observed directly.