The Polarographic Reduction of Some Aryl Diketones

Abstract

The polarographic reduction of several diketones has been studied in aqueous and nonaqueous solvents. The Kalousek switching technique has been employed to detect oxidizable intermediates. Evidence was found for oxidizable enediols in the reduction of benzil and p‐diacetylbenzene in aqueous media. Free radicals are produced by a number of diketones in dimethylformamide. The mechanism of reduction is discussed, including evidence for reversibility of electrode processes.