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The effect of ionic strength and buffer choice on the decomposition of tetrathionate in alkaline solutions

2003; Elsevier BV; Volume: 72; Issue: 3-4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.hydromet.2003.07.001

1879-1158

P.L. Breuer, M.I. Jeffrey,

Advanced Chemical Sensor Technologies

The rate of alkaline decomposition of tetrathionate has been measured in nitrogen and air-saturated solutions of varying ionic strength and type of buffer. The rate increases significantly in high ionic strength buffer solutions and is not affected by oxygen. For gold-leaching solutions containing ammonia and ammonium ions, the decomposition of tetrathionate is faster than for carbonate- or phosphate-buffered solutions. These findings explain the discrepancies obtained in the previous studies of this reaction.