Voltammetric behaviour of copper(iii) and its analytical applications

Copper(II) and copper(III) complexes with periodate or tellurate ligands are electroactive at a smooth platinum electrode, giving an anodic, cathodic or cathanodic wave in the presence of alkaline hydroxide solutions containing copper(II), copper(III), or copper(II)-copper(III) species, respectively. The corresponding limiting currents are diffusion-controlled. The following analytical applications are proposed: (a) amperometric titration of copper(III) solutions; (b) voltammetric determination of copper. Results of amperometric titrations of copper(III) were similar to those by an established procedure. Voltammetry of copper(II) allows the metal to be determined down to concentrations of 1·10^-5M, even in the presence of different ions; the procedure can be applied to such heat-transfer media for nuclear reactors as sodium and potassium metals and their hydroxides.