Analysis of first-order kinetic data by a differential technique

A differential method for analyzing first-order kinetic data is presented. While the essence of this approach has been known for almost a century, the use of computers to collect, store, and manipulate data has reenergized this innovative idea. Based on the equation ln |dA₁/dt| = ln |k(A_o - A_(infinity))| − kt, plots of ln |dA_t/dt| vs. t were found to be lienar for both simulated kinetic data and data collected for the reaction of [(en)₂Co(SCH₂CH₂NH₂)]²⁺ with acrylamide. The rate constants for the reaction obtained by this method are identical to those obtained by the infinite-time method of analysis but do not require infinite-time measurements in their evaluation. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 29: 333–338, 1997