A study of the electrochemical characteristics of aromatic nitro compounds shows that the cathode potential of these compounds during current flow is dependent on the type and position of substituent groups on the aromatic ring, as well as the composition and pH of the electrolyte.The high theoretical ampere ‐minute capacity of the aromatic dinitro compounds, along with their practical operating potentials, high electrode efficiencies, and favorable physical and chemical properties, show these materials to have considerable promise for use as cathode materials in primary cells, when coupled with a magnesium anode.

An apparatus and technique are described which enables a quick preliminary evaluation to be made of various manganese dioxides and other cathode materials in various electrolytes. Data are presented which show that the capacity of the manganese dioxide electrode exceeds that calculated for its reduction to Mn203.H20 when discharged at low current drains or with a flow of electrolyte over the electrode. It is also shown that the structure of the manganese dioxide material is an important property which detel~nines the performance that is obtained when the electrode is discharged, not only in a NH4C1-ZnCI: type of electrolyte, but also in a basic electrolyte.

The anodic dissolution of a magnesium AZ10A alloy has been studied by measuring corrosion rates and electrode potentials as functions of current density, pH, and electrolyte concentration. Results are interpreted in terms of a rate‐controlling proton transfer step through a surface film of magnesium oxide and/or hydroxide.The effect of different alloy compositions and soluble metal additives to the electrolyte on the anodic corrosion rate and electrode potential also has been measured.

Experimental half‐cell discharge data are given for a number of Groups Ib‐Vb oxides in strongly alkaline normalNaOH solution, along with comparisons between these data and their theoretical potentials. The effect of cathode solubility on the half‐cell discharge potential of a few sparingly soluble silver salts is also discussed.

A theory based on the electron density in the vicinity of a reducible nitro group which had been used to explain the effect of substituent groups and their position on the operating potential of aromatic nitro compounds has been extended to the nitroalkane compounds. The high theoretical ampere-minute capacity of the nitroalkane compounds, along with their high operating potentials, show these compounds to have considerable promise for use as cathode materials in primary cells.) unless CC License in place (see abstract). ecsdl.org/site/terms_use address. Redistribution subject to ECS terms of use (see 129.100.58.76 Downloaded on 2015-06-09 to IP Vol. 106, No. 4 CHARACTERISTICS OF ORGANIC COMPOUNDS 289 OIO . .o.,.