Latimer diagram
representation of oxidation states of a chemical species
A Latimer diagram of a chemical element is a summary of the standard electrode potential data of that element. This type of diagram is named after Wendell Mitchell Latimer (1893–1955), an American chemist.
Construction
In a Latimer diagram, because by convention redox reactions are shown in the direction of reduction (gain of electrons), the most highly oxidized form of the element is on the left side, with successively lower oxidation states to the right side. The species are connected by arrows, and the numerical value of the standard potential (in volts) for the reduction is written at each arrow. For example, for oxygen, the species would be in the order O2 (0), H2O2 (–1), H2O (-2):
The arrow between O2 and H2O2 has a value +0.68 V over it, it indicates that the standard electrode potential for the reaction:
O2(g) + 2 H+ + 2 e− ⇌ H2O2(aq)
is 0.68 volts.
Application
Latimer diagrams can be used in the construction of Frost diagrams, as a concise summary of the standard electrode potentials relative to the element. Since ΔrGo = -nFEo, the electrode potential is a representation of the Gibbs energy change for the given reduction. The sum of the Gibbs energy changes for subsequent reductions (e.g. from O2 to H2O2, then from H2O2 to H2O) is the same as the Gibbs energy change for the overall reduction (i.e. from O2 to H2O), in accordance with Hess's law.
“Latimer diagram” enters the record as representation of oxidation states of a chemical species. Crown Archives preserves that source wording while asking what Latimer, diagram and representation can confirm, complicate or overturn.
Why this record matters
“Latimer diagram” is worth following because a concise public description often conceals a longer documentary argument. Here, Latimer, diagram and representation provides the most credible route into that argument.
Datasets, specimens, observations and peer-reviewed methods provide the appropriate test for the technical claims summarized here. The source revision retrieved here is dated Aug 27, 2026. The linked authority identifier is Q1998720. None of the 0 selected statements returned an explicit reference. The first chronological checks are 1893 and 1955.
Scientific names, classifications and consensus can change while older terminology persists in catalogues and historical literature. The lead is largely declarative, so disagreement and counter-evidence require a deliberate search beyond the opening account. Authority statements aid reconciliation but still require their own references, qualifiers and ranks to be checked.
How to read it
Check terminology, classification and the date of the cited evidence. Scientific names and technical consensus can change while older records retain historical value.
- Current terminology
- Classification context
- Finding cited technical literature
Primary datasets, specimen catalogues, standards bodies and the most recent peer-reviewed literature.
Three-step research path
- Establish the record: confirm the title “Latimer diagram”, its source revision and the description used here.
- Expand the search: follow Latimer diagram primary sources, Latimer diagram archive and Latimer research across catalogues and specialist indexes.
- Test the account: compare the strongest cited source with the responsible institution’s current record and note any disagreement.
Questions for further research
- Which source most directly establishes the central claim about “Latimer diagram”?
- Has classification or technical consensus changed since the cited source?
- Which observation, specimen, dataset or publication supports the account?
Search terms from this dossier
This entry incorporates text from “Latimer diagram” on English Wikipedia. Contributors are listed in the page history. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Selected authority identifiers and statements are retrieved from Wikidata under CC0; their references and qualifiers remain part of the verification path.