Effect of chloride ions on the behaviour of the orion copper(II) ion-selective electrode

The normal shiny surface of a copper(II) ion-selective electrode tarnishes when exposed to chloride ions. Polishing with fine emery cloth easily removes this dull surface layer and fully restores the proper potential response characteristics of the electrode. No such loss of character is evident with a non-chloride based reference electrode except in the presence of added chloride ions. The electrode also seems less affected in premixed solutions of copper(II) and chloride. the chloride ions then being largely bound as copper(II) chloro-complexes.