Chronocoulometric investigation of benzophenone electroreduction on mercury from acidic aqueous media

Abstract

Benzophenone electroreduction on mercury from acidic aqueous media has been investigated by two computerized chronocoulometric techniques combined with a static mercury electrode which was continuously renewed under computer control. In the first technique kinetic measurements were carried out in the adsorbed state in the absence of diffusion and the related complicating features, whereas in the second they were carried out under conditions in which the reactant R was adsorbed and electroreduced under diffusion control at bulk concentrations low enough to keep the surface coverage by reactant and product within the Henry isotherm region. Both experimental conditions allow the kinetics to be interpreted quantitatively on the basis of the mechanism: [graphic omitted] where R₂H₂ is the pinacol, and the rate-determining step takes place in the adsorbed state.