Some applications of polarography for investigation of equlibria in aqueous solutions of organic compounds

Abstract

There are two possibilities how to follow equilibria of organic compounds established in aqueous solutions using polarography: for very fast reactions, information can be obtained from shifts of half-wave potentials. For slowly established equilibria, the changes in the limiting current are followed. In both cases variation of the half-wave potentials or limiting currents with concentration of a reactant, present in excess, is followed. The types of reactions, which had been followed in this way, are as follows: hydration–dehydration equilibria, additions of hydroxide ion to carbonyl and nitroso compounds, the role of slowly established acid–base equilibria involving C-acids; further also reactions involving the addition of ammonia, primary amines, hydroxylamine, and hydrazine to carbonyl compounds.