In the presence of cysteine, osmium(VIII) in hydrochloric acid exhibit
s a will-defined maximum wave at -0.85 V (vs. SCE). Effects of the osm
ium's valence states and the coexisting anions on the reduction wave h
ave been studied polarographically in acidic solution. The high oxidat
ion states (e.g., osmium(VIII) and (VI)) in comparison with low oxidat
ion states have an influence on the height of the hydrogen wave.