What is the Difference Between Dismutation and Disproportionation?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Dismutation and disproportionation are terms that describe the same chemical process, but they are used in different contexts. The key difference between them is the application of the term:
- Dismutation: This term refers to the disproportionation that takes place in biological systems. For example, in the citric acid cycle of some bacteria, pyruvic acid converts into lactic acid, acetic acid, and carbon dioxide. This reaction is also known as anaerobic dismutation.
- Disproportionation: This term is used to describe the equivalent process in chemical systems. Disproportionation is a redox reaction in which one compound of intermediate oxidation state converts to two compounds, one of higher and one of lower oxidation states.
In summary, both dismutation and disproportionation describe the same chemical process, but the terms are applied differently. Dismutation is used when the process occurs in biological systems, while disproportionation is used when the process occurs in chemical systems.
Comparative Table: Dismutation vs Disproportionation
The main difference between dismutation and disproportionation lies in the context in which the reactions occur. Dismutation refers to disproportionation that takes place in biological systems, while disproportionation is a redox reaction that occurs in both biological and non-biological systems. Both reactions involve the transfer of electrons between species and can be considered as special types of redox reactions. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences between dismutation and disproportionation:
| Feature | Dismutation | Disproportionation |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A redox reaction occurring in biological systems | A redox reaction occurring in both biological and non-biological systems |
| Context | Biological systems, such as the citric acid cycle in some bacteria | Occurs in both biological and non-biological systems, such as water reacting with nitrogen dioxide |
| Process | Involves the transfer of electrons between species | Involves the transfer of electrons between species |
| Examples | Anaerobic dismutation in citric acid cycle of some bacteria | Disproportionation of bicarbonate anion, nitrogen dioxide |
In summary, while both dismutation and disproportionation are similar in their processes, dismutation specifically refers to disproportionation reactions that occur in biological systems, whereas disproportionation can occur in both biological and non-biological systems.
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