The effect of p-toluidine on the two-step electroreduction of Zn(II) in water-methanol and water-dimethylformamide

The acceleration effect of p-toluidine on the electroreduction of Zn(II) on the mercury electrode surface in binary mixtures water-methanol and water- dimethylformamide is discussed. The obtained apparent and true forward rate constants of Zn(II) reduction indicate that the rate constant of the first electron transfer increases in the presence of p-toluidine. The accelerati on effect may probably be accounted for by the concept of the formation on the mercury electrode an activated complex, presumably composed of p-toluid ine and solvent molecules.