Catalytic hydrogen currents in solutions of some transition metal complexes with 8-mercaptoquinoline

Electrochemical behaviour of complexes with general formula ML2 where L-8-mercaptoquinoline, M-V(4)(VO2+) was studied. Investigations were carried out by classical and voltampere oscillographic polarography in water alcohol media. Measurements were performed at 25 deg C. It was found that chelate V(4) gives in classical polarogrammes the wave as a peak at 1.5-1.7 v depending on pH and the nature of the central ion; during electrolysis of the investigated solutions the release of gas bubbles was observed. Waves observed in the potential region 1.5-1.7 v are the catalytic waves of hydrogen. Results obtained on the catalytic activity of structurally related complexes of transitional metals with mercaptoquinoline indicate a definite influence of the central atom nature on the catalytic effect. Intermediate particles with central atom in the lower degree of oxidation formed at catalytic wave may be responsible for the catalytic effect. The rate of their formation on the electrode and the rate of their protonization determine the catalytic wave height