The determination of cinnamic acid by coulometric titration with amperometric end-point detection

Abstract

A method for the direct titration of cinnamic acid with bromine monochloride is proposed. Of the several amperometric methods of end-point detection studied, a bi-amperometric procedure with twin platinum electrodes was found to be most satisfactory. The limitation to the use of bromine monochloride as a titrant because of its high volatility can be overcome by coulometric generation of the reagent. Constant-current electrolysis of an acidic solution containing bromide, chloride and mercury(II) ions generates a complex anion of bromine monochloride.