Amplified potentiometric determination of pK(00), pK(0), pK(l), and pK(2) of hydrogen sulfides with Ag(2)S ISE

The chemical capacitor theory has been applied to accurately determine dissociation constants of H(2)S with the Ag(2)S ion-selective electrode (ISE). The theory's principle is based on the measurement of the change in electrode charge density as a result of protonated or unprotonated sulfide adsorbed on the electrode surface. This charge density is related to the potential. Connection of each individual capacitor in series amplifies the potential according to the equation, E(total)=E(1)+E(2)+E(3)+cdots, three dots, centeredE(n). As the charges of individual capacitors are concentrated to one capacitor area, the charge density rises, and the potential increases. The pK(00), pK(0), pK(1), and pK(2) are reported as 1.8, 2.12, 7.05, and 12.0, respectively. The pK(00) and pK(0) are reported here for the first time. The pK(1) agrees well with the literature values; however, the pK(2) differs from those reported recently under extreme conditions. Reasons for disproving the unreasonably high pK(2)>17-19 values are given based on calculations. Mainly, when pK(2)>17-19, the experimental results do not fit the equilibrium equations, pH=(pK(1)+pK(2))/2, pK(1)=(pK(0)+pK(2))/2, and pH=pK(2)+log(HS(-))/(S(2-)).