Polarography of n-butylthioglycolate in aqueous media, methanol, and acetonitrile

The polarographic behaviour of n-butylthioglycolate (RSH) at the DME in aqueous media, methanol, and acetonitrile has been investigated in the presence of 0.1 M KNO3 and 0.01% thymol. The effect of pH, concentration of RSH, and drop time on the wave characteristics and the mechanism of the reaction occurring at the surface of the mercury drop have been studied. Well-defined reversible and diffusion-controlled anodic waves were obtained in aqueous media (pH 4.2), 40% methanol (pH 3.22), and 40% acetonitrile (pH 2.96). Mathematical and analytical evidence was obtained to show that the anodic wave of RSH at a dropping mercury electrode in aqueous media, 40% methanol, and 40% acetonitrile is due to the formation of the mercury complex RSHg. The dissociation constant (pK) of the mercapto group in n-butylthioglycolate is 9.6 and the diffusion coefficient in the different media are 1.17 × 10−6 cm2 s−1 (in aqueous media) 1.23 × 10−6 cm2 s−1 (in 40% methanol), and 2.43 × 10−6 cm2 s−1 (in 40% acetonitrile). The linearity of id with RSH concentration provides a rapid and precise method for the determination of RSH, down to 0.4 mM in aqueous media, methanol, and acetonitrile.