This study was begun in the hope of establishing a sound experimental basis for the theoretical interpretation of a dye-sensitized photooxidation. The system eosin and potassium iodide was chosen, since it was known to give a conveniently rapid reaction ( 14) and could be studied by the ordinary methods of analytical chemistry. To avoid uncertain corrections for internal filter action ( 14) and for photosensitization by I3~(1), a small known amount of sodium arsenite was added to the reacting mixtures to prevent the accumulation of I3~( 6). The extent of the reaction was determined by titrating the remaining arsenite with standard iodine solution.Quantitative measurements were made of the effect upon the quantum yield of the dye concentration, the iodide-ion concentration, the pH, the intensity of the absorbed light, and the rate at which oxygen was supplied. It was also determined that there is no detectable (permanent) bleaching of eosin when its solution, containing arsenite and iodide, is illuminated in the absence of oxygen.
EXPERIMENTAL
PROCEDURE
MaterialsThe eosin was purified by precipitating it with dilute hydrochloric acid, washing it, dissolving it with an equivalent amount of base, and crystallizing it from the resulting solution. All other reagents were of "analytical grade" and were used without further purification. Conductivity water was used in preparing all solutions.
Analytical methodsThe end point of the iodine-arsenite titration was determined by the polarized-electrode method of Foulk and Bowden (3), the titration being performed in red light to avoid photochemical action. A calibrated microburet was used in all titrations.
ApparatusThe light source was a water-cooled quartz-capillary mercury arc of the atmospheric-pressure type (7). Glass color filters and some of the 1 This work was presented by Frank Hurd to the Faculty of the Graduate School of the University of Minnesota in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, December, 1939.