Diagnostic criteria for characterization of mechanisms corresponding to the second reduction polarographic wave of carbonyl compounds in acidic medium

Expressions of i-E funtions are developed, either by the reaction layer approach or from the assumption that the reactions take place at the surface of the electrode, for different possible mechanisms corresponding to the second reduction polarographic wave of carbonyl compounds in acidic medium.Diagnostic criteria for their characterization are presented and applied to the pyridine-4-aldehyde reduction. Close agreement between the experimental and theoretical results is obtained for a mechanism with a reversible transfer reaction followed by a protonation reaction of the compound formed.