The substrate mechanism of class III anaerobic ribonucleotide reductase has been studied using quantum chemical methods. The study is based on the previously suggested mechanism for the aerobic class I enzyme, together with the recently determined X-ray structure of the anaerobic enzyme. The initial steps are similar in the mechanisms of these enzymes, but for the suggested rate-limiting steps there are key differences. In the class I enzyme, the 3 ' -keto group of the substrate is protonated in a step involving formation of a sulfur-sulfur bond between two cysteines, One of these cysteines is not present in the anaerobic enzyme. Instead, carbon dioxide is formed in this step from formate, which is present as a cofactor. In line with previous suggestions from experimental observations, the formate first forms a formyl radical. The next step, where the formyl radical protonates the 3 ' -keto group of the substrate, is suggested to be rate limiting with a calculated total barrier of 19.9 kcal/mol, in reasonable agreement with the experimental rate-limiting barrier of 17 kcal/mol. Zero-point and entropy effects are found to be quite significant in lowering the barrier. The mechanism for the entire cycle is discussed in relation to known experimental facts.