The stoichiometry and kinetics of the reduction of Fe₂(III)(bpy)₄OCl₄ by 1,3-benzenediol have been investigated in aqueous hydrochloric acid medium. The reaction is first order in [oxidant] but zero order in [reductant]. There is no evidence for the formation of an intermediate complex of significant stability. The presence of NO₃ ⁻ or ClO₄ ⁻ had no effect on the rate of the reaction. Also, the reaction rate is not affected by the changes in the ionic strength and dielectric constant of the reaction media. A plausible mechanism involving an outer-sphere complex formed via an ion pair is proposed for the reaction.