An analytically useful coulometric generation of micro amounts of metal ions : Part I. Electrogeneration of bismuth(III)

Bismuth(III) can be generated in a solution by electrolytically oxidizing dilute bismuth amalgam. Oxygen present in the solution contacting the amalgam also oxidizes the amalgam. Therefore normal coulometric circuits are not suitable for the generation of trace quantities of bismuth(III), even after prolonged passage of nitrogen. A procedure is described by which the interference of oxygen is eliminated so that amounts of bismuth(III) down to 5·10^-8 moles (in 30 ml) can be generated with 100% current efficiency.