Polarographic kinetic currents in mixtures of hydrogen peroxide and copper(II) in chloride medium

Abstract

A kinetic current at the dropping mercury electrode is observed in mixtures of hydrogen peroxide and copper(II) in chloride medium in the presence of acid at potentials corresponding to the first copper wave. The kinetic current is due to reaction of copper(I) formed at the electrode with hydrogen peroxide and gives a value of 491 mol⁻¹ sec⁻¹ for the rate constant at 25°. The rate constant for this reaction, determined directly is 581 mol⁻¹ sec⁻¹. An adsorbed layer of copper(I) complex at the electrode prevents the electroreduction of hydrogen peroxide.