Polarographic and voltammetric behavior of selenious acid and its use in analysis

Solution chemistry of Se(IV), in particular the acid-base properties, salt and complex formation, chemical reduction and reaction of Se(IV) with organ ic and inorganic sulfur compounds are briefly summarized. The electrochemic al reduction of Se(IV) on dropping and stationary mercury electrodes is dea lt with in some detail. The effects of antecedent acid-base equlibria and o f consecutive reactions of the reduction product, Se2-, adsorption of their products, and effects of added metal ions are discussed. The principles an d applications of stripping analyses for determination of ultratraces of Se (IV) are summarized. The behavior on unreactive (Au, Pt, carbon) and reacti ve (Hg, Ag, Cu) electrodes are compared. (C) 2900 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.