The first disproportionation reaction to be studied in detail was: This was examined using tartrates by Johan Gadolin in 1788.
Indeed, the donor and acceptor of electrons in the redox reactions supplying the chemical energy in these complex biochemical systems are the same organic molecules simultaneously acting as reductant or oxidant.
Another example of biochemical dismutation reaction is the disproportionation of acetaldehyde into ethanol and acetic acid.
However, a rare type of fermentation may also involve the disproportionation of inorganic sulfur compounds in certain sulfate-reducing bacteria.
[18] Sulfur isotopes of sediments are often measured for studying environments in the Earth's past (paleoenvironment).