Natural monocrystalline chalcopyrite and galena as electrochemical sensors in non-aqueous solvents. Part II: Potentiometric titrations of weak acids in N,N-dimethyformamide and N-methylpyrrolidone

Natural monocrystalline chalcopyrite and galena as new indicator electrodes for the potentiometric titration of weak acids in N,N-dimethylformamide and N-methylpyrrolidone were used. The investigated electrodes showed a linear dynamic response for p-toluenesulfonic acid concentrations in the range from 0.1 to 0.001 M, with a Nernstian slope of 59.0 mV for chalcopyrite and 33 mV per decade for galena in N,N-dimethylformamide, 56.1 mV for chalcopyrite, and 32.0 mV per decade for galena in N-methylpyrrolidone. The potential in the course of the titration and at the titration end point was rapidly established. Sodium methylate, potassium hydroxide, and tetrabutylammonium hydroxide proved to be very suitable titrating agents for these titrations. The response time was less than 10-11 s, and the lifetime of the electrodes is limitless. The advantages of the electrodes are log-term stability, fast response, reproducibility, easy preparation, and low cost. The results obtained in the determination of the investigated weak acids deviated on average by ±0.04-0.34% from those obtained with a glass electrode. © 2008 Springer-Verlag.