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A new approach is described for the quantitative study of the effect of a monolayer on solute transfer rates across an air/water interface. The technique is illustrated through measurements of oxygen transfer across a monolayer of 1-octadecanol as a function of compression. The experimental approach uses an inverted ultramicroelectrode (UME), positioned in the water phase in a Langmuir trough close to the air/water interface to induce the transfer of oxygen from air to water via the reduction (and depletion) of oxygen. The steady-state current response, measured as a function of UME-interface separation at various monolayer compressions, demonstrates that the rate of oxygen transfer is governed primarily by the accessible free area of the interface.

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