Kinetisch-katalytische Bestimmungen in einem zweiphasensystem unter verwendung eines fallrohres

A rather simple method for kinetic-catalytic determinations is described, in which the reactants are dissolved in two immiscible liquid phases. Drops of the heavier phase fall through the lighter one contained in a vertical glass tube. As the drops fall, the reactants come into contact with each other at the interface, thus causing a change in the drops. The length of fall needed for completion of reaction is a measure of the concentration of the catalyst (e.g., decolorization of the drops in the determination of copper by the reaction between iron(III) and thiosulphate). If a gaseous reaction product is formed (e.g., N₂ or O₂) and adsorbed on the falling drop, then the drop stops falling and rises again. The depth of fall or the time needed for the drop to return to the upper end of the tube can be used as a measure for the concentration of catalyst (e.g., determination of thiosulphate with the iodine/azide reaction, or of copper as catalyst for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide).