Understanding of the dissociation mechanism for polyvalent electrolytes rem
ains a matter of critical importance. Different theoretical approaches coul
d result in different values for the microscopic parameters of the system u
nder analysis, as well as for its integral characteristics (such as conduct
ivity and buffering power). A unified classification of dissociation scheme
s is proposed here. Some examples of hybrid type schemes are considered and
the expressions relating the macroscopic and microscopic constants are giv
en. The possibility of applying the equation of Linderstr phi m-Lang to mul
ti-dissociating systems with non-constant total concentration is considered
. The problem of proton binding curves (so-called titration curves) modelin
g is discussed. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.