AbstractsChemistry

This work describes the accurate measurement of the thermodynamic functions Delta G degree and Delta H degree for the step-wise coordination equilibria between each of the ions H+, Ni2+, Cu2+, and, a series of C1-substituted 1,2-diaminoethanes in aqueous solution. The study Involved. (a) The construction of a sensitive constant temperature environment calorimeter for measuring the enthalpy changes in the complex-formation reactions, (b) The rigorous calibration of an electrode system, incorporating a glass electrode, for the direct potentiometric measurement of equilibrium hydrogen ion concentrations in the solutions containing complex ions. The thermodynamic functions Delta G degree and Delta H degree led to accurate Delta S degree values for the step-wise complex-formation reactions. The thesis considers the contribution of the entropy of ligation to the stability of complex ions. The molar entropies of the complex ions have been calculated and their values considered with respect to the coordination number and the possible structure, degree of hydration and steric properties of the ions.