Electrochemical reduction of the nitrite to ammonium ions in presence of [MoO 2(O 2CC(S)C 6H 5) 2] 2−

Abstract

Ammonia is formed during potentiostatic reduction of sodium nitrite solutions on the nafion-complex-coated electrode. When (NH 4) 2[MoO 2(O 2CC(S)(C 6H 5) 2) 2] is present in NaNO 2 solutions a polarographic wave is associated to electrocatalytic reduction of nitrite ion. The wave height varies linearly on the concentration of nitrite ion, allowing a procedure for analysing this ion. This electrochemical behaviour distinguishes the nitrite from the nitrate ions. The Mo(VI), Mo(V), and Mo(IV) are involved in catalytic redox processes determining formation of NH 4 + from nitrite ions.