Polarographic behaviour and analysis of 2-nitro-5,6-dimethylindane-1,3-dione

Abstract

A previous report described the polarographic analysis of 2-nitro-5,6-dimethylindane-1,3-dione. The polarographic behaviour was characterised by a postulated 4e reduction of the nitro group, which when used as the basis for analysis of the compound showed that there appeared to be some instability when samples were stored at elevated temperatures and humidities. Extensive analytical investigations of this substance by ultraviolet spectroscopy, differential-pulse polarography and high-performance liquid chromatography show that it does not degrade in the solid state. Furthermore, controlled potential electrolysis and polarographic analysis of structurally related compounds suggest that the polarographic behaviour is better accounted for by a 6e reduction of the nitro group and subsequent reduction of the two carbonyl groups.