Electron donor
In
Lewis base.[1]
In contrast to traditional reducing agents, electron transfer from a donor to an
ionization potential, which is the energy required to remove an electron from the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO
).
The overall energy balance (ΔE), i.e., energy gained or lost, in an electron donor-acceptor transfer is determined by the difference between the acceptor's electron affinity (A) and the ionization potential (I):
Molecular electronics and devices
Electron donors are components of many devices such as
organic photovoltaic devices. Typical electron donors undergo reversible redox so that they can serve as electron relays. Triarylamines are typical donors.[3]
In biology
NADH is an example of a natural electron donor.[4] Ascorbic acid is another example. It is an water-soluble antioxidant.[5]
In
chlorinated solvents like vinyl chloride, soil organic matter, and reduced inorganic compounds are all compounds that can act as electron donors. These reactions are of interest not only because they allow organisms to obtain energy, but also because they are involved in the natural biodegradation
of organic contaminants. When clean-up professionals use monitored natural attenuation to clean up contaminated sites, biodegradation is one of the major contributing processes.
See also
References
| Authority control databases: National |
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