Microcomputer-controlled polarographic instrumentation and its use in the determination of stability constants of crown ether complexes

A computer-controlled polarographic system is described, based on a commercially available polarograph interfaced to a microcomputer. Experiments are controlled and monitored entirely from software, including automatic evaluation of the Tast polarograms and addition of solutions to the polarographic cell from a motor burette. The program was written in FORTH, a computer language especially apt for laboratory automation. The system is used in the determination of stability constants of crown ether complexes.