The reduction of 9,10-anthraquinones. Part I. Kinetic currents on polarography of 2-hydroxy-9,10-anthraquinones

Abstract

Polarography of 2-hydroxy-9,10-anthraquinones, in aqueous buffer solutions of pH 9–10, gives the expected diffusion-controlled limiting current and, at more negative applied potentials, a kinetic limiting current. The value of the latter is controlled by the rate of conversion of the 2-hydroxy-9,10-anthrahydroquinone, generated at the electrode surface, into the reducible dihydroxy-10-anthrone. The kinetic current depends particularly upon the temperature and the nature of the buffer components.