Multiple metastable states in the two-dimensional condensation of uridine at the mercury electrode

Abstract

The kinetics of condensation of uridine were investigated by the potential step technique. Complex transients are obtained as a function of the initial final potentials. Analysis of the kinetic results provides evidence for the existence of two distinct metastable states from which the formation of the condensed film prevailing at more negative potentials can start. The supersaturations for the various nucleation growth processes were established on the basis of calculated relative electrocapillary curves characteristic of the stable and metastable films involved in the transformation.