Catalytic activity and complexation-iv : 2,2'-Bipyridyl as activator for the catalytic ultramicro determination of silver

Abstract

The activation of the catalytic persulphate oxidation of sulphanilic acid when the catalyst, silver(I), is suitably complexed, is discussed. 2,2'-Bipyridyl is proposed as activator as it accelerates the rate-determining step of the process-the oxidation of silver(I) to silver(II). The mechanism of activation is investigated and discussed in detail. On the basis of these investigations a catalytic method has been developed for the determination of silver(I), with a sensitivity of 4 × 10 −4 μg ml and ±7·6% relative error.