Anodic reactions of the halides in dimethyl sulfoxide at the pyrolytic graphite electrode

The anodic reactions of the halide ions in dimethyl sulfoxide at the pyrolytic graphite electrode have been studied. The iodide ion demonstrates a 3-step oxidation; the bromide, a 2-step oxidation and chloride, a 1-step oxidation. The electrode reaction (X^-→$\text{1}\text{2}$ X₂ + e^-) is complicated by a catalytic reaction occurring after the electrode reaction. The catalytic reaction is important for only bromide and chloride causing a considerable diffusion current enhancement. The αn_a value for all 3 primary reactions is of the order of 0.5.