Use of a Silver Ion Selective Electrode for the Determination of Stability Constants of Metal Complexes

Abstract

The potential response of a sulfide-based silver ion selective electrode was examined in various metal buffer solutions. In every system tested, the potential response of the electrode was rapid and the electrode potential correctly reflected the free silver ion concentration in the solution. The stability constants of silver complexes with seven ligands were determined. This electrode was used also to measure the free cyanide ion concentration in the solutions containing silver, cyanide and a second metal ion. The stability constants of zinc and cadmium cyano complexes were obtained. The behavior of the silver ion selective electrode is discussed in contrast to that of the mixed sulfide membrane electrodes.