Polarographic studies on selenite ions in aqueous hypophosphorous acid solutions

The polarographic behaviour and determination of Se(IV) in hypophosphorous acid solutions of concentrations varying from 0.05 mol l(-1) to 4.0 mol l(-1) at 25 +/- 0.1 degrees C were investigated. It was shown that the reduction of 5.10(-4) mol l(-1) Se(IV) at the DME takes place in two waves independent on the acid concentration. The reduction waves correspond to the transfer of 6 electrons. A mechanism of the reduction at the DME has been suggested. A method for the analytical determination of Se(TV) species in 0.1 mol l(-1) and 0.05 mol l(-1) hypophosphorous acid in absence and in presence of 3.10(6) mol l(-1) Cd(II) and Zn(II) was developed using a differential pulse technique.