The effect of the ligands acetonitrile (AN), fumaric acid (H2fum) and 2,5,8,11‐tetramethyl‐2,5,8,11‐tetraazadodecane (L1) on the kinetics of oxidation of CuI complexes by [(cyclam)NiIII(SO4)2]– and [(NH3)5CoIIICl]2+ in aqueous solutions via an outer‐ and inner‐sphere mechanism, respectively, has been studied. The effects of the ligands on the electron self‐exchange rate constants have also been evaluated. All ligands studied stabilize CuI in aqueous solution but affect the redox potential of the CuII/IL couple differently. The ligands decrease the rate of the redox reactions and the electron self‐exchange rate constants. The results indicate that acetonitrile and alkenes should not be used as solvents for [CuIL]+‐catalyzed processes that involve redox steps. On the other hand, the results also suggest that [CuIL1]+ should be a good catalyst for such processes. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)