Abstract
In continuation of our studies of the Brdicka catalytic wave of hydrogen it became necessary to know more about the electrode reaction which produces the catalytic wave due to sulf hydryl groups in the presence of the ammoniacal buffered cobalt solution. The most delicate point in the interpretation of the whole catalytic electrode process involved in the polarographic "protein wave" consists in the elucidation of the role of cobalt. Therefore, the present study has been conducted in order to examine the following three points ; 1) How does the net reduction of cobalt ion take place during the period of its own maximum wave? 2) The cobaltous wave is shifted to more positive potentials by the presence of cystine or serum protein and under some conditions it becomes into two steps. During the period of such cobalt wave, how does the net reduction of cobalt ion take place? 3) During the period of the catalytic wave, how does the net reduction of cobalt ion take place?
In the present investigation, the measurements of the net amounts of reduced cobalt are carried out by the method of radiometric polarography using Love's method' after improving several points. Radioactivity per one drop of mercury divided by drop time is plotted against the applied potential. Thus, the radioactivity-potential curve illustrates the net reduction of cobalt ion to form amalgam and can be compared with the corresponding ordinary polarogram finding no special reduction of cobalt during the period of the catalytic wave of hydrogen.
