A polarographic and spectral study of some C- and N-nitroso compounds.

A wide range of N-nitroso compounds was investigated polarographically and spectrophotometrically. In general, the =N-N0 group is reduced in a 4-electron step in acidic media, which is most suitable for differential pulse polarographic analysis at the trace level. If the groups R and/or R' attached to the nitrosamine group are saturated entities, then the resulting differential pulse polarographic peaks are broad and of little use in the resolution of mixtures. The limit of detection is of the order of 10^-6M. If R and R' are unsaturated, the polarographic peaks are much sharper, mixtures can be resolved and the limit of detection is of the order of 10^-7M, C-Nitroso and C-nitro compounds are best determined by differential pulse polarography, because the waves are comparatively large and sharp, and because the reductions occur at relatively positive potentials where co-extractible interferences from foods, etc., will interfere to a minimal degree.