Cyclic voltammetric study of vanadium(V)/(IV) as a redox catalyst in non-aqueous media

A basic study for possible kinetic-catalytic methods in non-aqueous solvents with vanadium as a redox catalyst is described. The redox behaviour of the V(V)/V(IV) couple is studied by cyclic voltammetry at a carbon electrode in acetonitrile. Vanadium oscillates between the two oxidation states without chemical side reactions, and is thus promising as a redox catalyst in non-aqueous media. The oxidizing power of the couple is increased with increasing p-toluenesulphonic acid concentrations and is decreased in the presence of solvents of increasing donor strength. The influence of common activators on the formal potential of the couple is discussed. (Auth.)