Ionic equilibria in non-aqueous solvents: Part 1. General equations for calculation of pH, dissociation constants and reference potentials from potentiometric data

Abstract

Equations for the calculation of pH, reference potentials and dissociation constants of acids, bases and salts in non-aqueous solvents are derived and tested. They are of general application to many non-aqueous solvents of diverse nature, and their simplification leads to common equations used for particular solvents. A method is also proposed for computation of pH, dissociation constants and reference potentials in pure solvents through titration with titrants which can introduce significant changes in the properties of the titration medium. Application of the method and equations to the determination of the p K values of phenols and β-blocking bases in different non-aqueous solvents is presented.