Measurement of the stability constants for aqueous calcium and magnesium nitrite by Raman spectroscopic methods

Raman and infrared spectroscopic studies have been performed on aqueous calcium and magnesium nitrite solutions over a wide range of solution compositions. Stability constants have been calculated from quantitative intensity measurement of bands in the v₂ nitrite region arising from free and complexed nitrite. The measured values at 25°C. are: Ca(NO₂)₂, ₁ = 0.18 at ionic strength 5.8; Mg(NO₂)₂, ₁ = 0.061 at ionic strength 8.2. The populations of calcium nitrite complexes were found to increase considerably with increased ionic strenth, but complex formation was not temperature-sensitive in either case. Differences in relative intensities, between infrared and Raman spectra are discussed.Based on the thesis of B. S. DeYoung submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for an Honours B.Sc. degree, Memorial University of Newfoundland.