POLAROGRAPHIC STUDIES OF THE ION-PAIR FORMATION AND CONJUGATION REACTIONS OF ACETATE AND BENZOATE IONS IN ACETONITRILE

A study was made using polarography, the conjugation and ion-pair formation reactions for acetate and benzoate ions in the presence of large amounts of acetic and benzoate acids, and alkali metal ions in acetonitrile. In acetonitrile, the acetate ion or its homoconjugated ion gives a well-defined anodic wave, although the polarographic anodic wave of the acetate ion is difficult to observe in an aqueous solution. On the other hand, the formation of alkali metal dibenzoate complexes were proved by the shift of the cathodic wave of the alkali metal in the presence of a large excess of the benzoate ion. Moreover, the effect of water on the apparent stability constant for the lithium dibenzoate complex was examined in the solvent.