Cathodic Waves of o-Hydroxyphenylmercury Chloride in Aqueous Nitric Acid Medium. Inhibition by Reaction Product and Reduction of Precipitate

Polarographic behavior of o-hydroxyphenylmercury chloride was examined in aqueous nitric acid medium. An abnormal first wave and a peculiar angular-shaped second wave were observed. Equations of the current-potential curves of the first and second waves are derived on the following assumptions: the first wave is inhibited by a reduction product adsorbed on the surface of the dropping mercury electrode as solid particles, the adsorbed precipitate being reduced at the second wave. The equations agree well with the observed results.