Masters Theses

Date of Award

12-1991

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Chemistry

Major Professor

James Q. Chambers

Abstract

Electrochemical Characterization of ethidium bromide (2,7-diamino-9-phenyl-10-ethylphenathridinium bromide) is described The voltammetric and polarographic behavior of ethidium bromide was compared with that of a similar compound, triphosphopyridine nucleotide sodium salt hydrate. Voltammetric and spectroelectrochemical studies have been employed on the oxidation of ethidium bromide by utilizing the polymer Nafion as a thin film on the surface of a platinum electrode. Nafion was to be used as an easy less dangerous method of dealing with this harmful mutagen. The ethidium cation was found to be electroinactive through spectroelectrochemistry under the experimental conditions employed. Polarographic (normal pulse and differential pulse) and voltammetric studies have been carried out on the reduction of ethidium bromide with the use of mercury electrodes. The effects of pH and concentration were observed with ethidium and NAD + (under the same experimental parameters). Upon comparison with NAD +, a two-electron, irreversible redox scheme was suggested to exist. When dealing with voltammetry, some adsorption controlled phenomenon was observed that was not seen with polarography.

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