TECHNIQUES AFFECTING PRECISION AND ACCURACY IN HYDROLYSIS RATE-CONSTANT DETERMINATIONS OF VOLATILE ORGANIC-COMPOUNDS USING JEFFERS ZERO HEADSPACE REACTION BULBS

A recently published method for measurement of hydrolysis rate constants for volatile organic compounds in aqueous samples was adopted for use in our laboratory. In applying the method, we developed the capability to make the zero-headspace reaction bulbs and used them to measure the hydrolysis rate constant for 1,1,1 trichloroethane. After establishing and mastering the critical points of the technique, we were able to determine an acceptable neutral hydrolysis rate constant (k(n) = 7.98 E-2 min-1, 115-degrees-C) that was within 17% of the value calculated using the Arrhenius parameters of Jeffers' method. A detailed description of our experiences while learning this technique and becoming proficient in its use is provided with the belief that our experiences would benefit other analytical chemists.