The Role of One-electron Transfer in Substitution Reactions

The principal examples of substitution reactions which involve an intermediate one-electron transfer stage are examined. Attention is concentrated on the causes which make this stage important and its relations with other stages in the mechanism are analysed. It is noted that the application of the ideas of one-electron transfer to the mechanisms of all substitution reactions without exception is invalid. Cases of the activation of substitution reactions under conditions favouring electron transfer are discussed. The urgent need for studies in this field is demonstrated and certain tasks for the immediate future are formulated.
The bibliography includes 68 references.