Quantitative applications of polarography

The polarographic determination of metal ions such as Al3 + which are readily hydrolysed can present problems in aqueous solution, but these can often be overcome by the use of non-aqueous solvents. Typical non-aqueous solvents, with appropriate supporting electrolytes shown in parentheses, include acetic acid (CH3C02Na), acetonitrile (LiC104), dimethylformamide (tetrabutyl-ammonium perchlorate), methanol (KCN or KOH), and pyridine (tetraethyl-ammonium perchlorate), In these media a platinum micro-electrode is employed in place of the dropping mercury electrode. 

The polarographic method is applicable to the determination of inorganic anions such as bromate, iodate, dichromate, vanadate, etc. Hydrogen ions are involved in many of these reduction processes, and the supporting electrolyte must therefore be adequately buffered. 

Typical applications in the inorganic field are the analysis of minerals, metals (including alloys), fertilisers, natural waters, industrial effluents and polluted atmospheres. The technique can also be used to establish the formulae of various complexes, 

Reactions of organic substances at the dropping electrode usually involve hydrogen ions a typical reaction can be represented by the equation 

Whilst some organic compounds can be investigated in aqueous solution, it is frequently necessary to add an organic solvent to improve the solubility suitable water-miscible solvents include ethanol, methanol, ethane-1,2-diol, dioxan, acetonitrile and acetic (ethanoic) acid. In some cases a purely organic solvent must be used and anhydrous materials such as acetic acid, formamide and diethylamine have been employed suitable supporting electrolytes in these solvents include lithium perchlorate and tetra-alkylammonium salts R4NX (R = ethyl or butyl X = iodide or perchlorate). 

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