A.C. Polarographic Studies on the Nature of the Capacity Peaks Observed with Organic Compounds at the Dropping Mercury Electrode. Part III. Effect of Medium

The effect of medium on the peak potentials and magnitudes of tensammetric and reduction peaks, observed with a number of organic compounds by a,c. polarography, has been studied. The fact that tensametric peaks are practically absent or considerably reduced in magnitude and reduction peaks are consider­ably enhanced in non-aqueous medium has been utilised in determining the nature of the a.c. peaks obser­ved with ionic and non-ionic organic compounds at the d.m.e. It has been confirmed that benzaldehyde exhibits, a reduction peak in acidic medium, but in neutral or alkaline medium only tensammetric peak is obtained. Causes for the absence of adsorption as well as enhancement of the reduction peaks in non-aqueous media have also been discussed