The use of DP polarography in the elucidation of organic electrode reactions

Differential pulse polarography (together differential pulse voltammetry) consists of a well-stated electroanalytical technique widely used for routine metal ion analysis. The equations obtained from rigorous treatments are difficult to handle to elucidate reaction mechanisms. In this paper the application of DP polarography to the elucidation of the mechanism of organic electrode reactions is presented. Approximate equations for a variety of electrode processes are given. Baseline subtraction and the case of illoverlapped and close peaks are analyzed. The method is illustrated with experimental examples as the reductions of isonicotinamide and simazine at low pH values.