Research Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / This work presents the development and application of modern data acquisition and analysis techniques for the investigations of equilibrium and kinetic reactions. The analytical technique is known as second order global analysis and a background of this relatively novel approach has been given. The theory behind and characteristics of the computer programs developed analysis as part of this research are described in Chapter Two along with descriptions of the instrumentation and programs developed for the acquisition of both potentiometric and spectrophotometric data. Applications of the developed programs include a potentiometric and spectrophotometric study of the protonation and stability equilibria of a series of polydentate N-donor ligands, as detailed in Chapter Three. The combination of potentiometric and spectrophotometric analysis has been shown to be a powerful analytical tool. Spectrophotometric titrations were also combined with fast stop-flow experiments in order to elucidate the complex reaction mechanisms associated with helicating ligands. The helication of the ligand ‘PepdaH₂’ with copper(II) and nickel(II) is examined in Chapter Four, along with discussions concerning the ability to induce chirality in the helicates from the addition of a chiral counter ion. Investigations into chirality were further continued in Chapter Five where the stereoselectivity of a benzimidazole-based ligand was investigated with circular dichroism titrations. The synthesis and characterisation of the benzimidazole-based ligands are provided, including a study of the ability of the ligands to form higher order complexes as investigated using electrospray mass spectroscopy. Chapter Six provides an in-depth discussion concerning the use of combined glass hydrogen selective electrodes for the determination of equilibrium constants, as this was a major focus of this research. Different calibration techniques are discussed and a description of the internal calibration technique developed is provided along with examples of the advantages of performing internal calibration of the electrode.

O presente trabalho mostra a influência da força iônica na leitura potenciométrica de pH de soluções aquosas utilizando membrana de vidro. O tamanho e a carga dos íons são importantes fatos apontados. Um tipo de efeito de \"memória\" aparece durante as leituras de pH, este foi contornado pela calibração multipontuada. Propostas para corrigir a influência da força iônica foram estudadas sob aspectos experimental e teórico. A teoria de Cheng sobre o mecanismo de ação da membrana de vidro como capacitor químico foi comprovada por estudos em que se variou a ação do campo elétrico. O conceito da grandeza de pH também foi discutido. / This work shows the influence of the ionic strength on the potenciometric measurements of pH of aqueous solutions using the electrode of glass membrane. The size and charge of the ions are important studied facts. One type of \"memory\" of glass membrane was observed and this effect was overcame using multipoint calibration. To correct the influence of the ionic strength two studies on experimental and theorical aspects were performed. The model proposed by Cheng to the mechanism of glass membrane as a chemical capacitor was confirmed by application of electrical field on the glass membrane. The concept of pH amount was discussed.

O presente trabalho mostra a influência da força iônica na leitura potenciométrica de pH de soluções aquosas utilizando membrana de vidro. O tamanho e a carga dos íons são importantes fatos apontados. Um tipo de efeito de \"memória\" aparece durante as leituras de pH, este foi contornado pela calibração multipontuada. Propostas para corrigir a influência da força iônica foram estudadas sob aspectos experimental e teórico. A teoria de Cheng sobre o mecanismo de ação da membrana de vidro como capacitor químico foi comprovada por estudos em que se variou a ação do campo elétrico. O conceito da grandeza de pH também foi discutido. / This work shows the influence of the ionic strength on the potenciometric measurements of pH of aqueous solutions using the electrode of glass membrane. The size and charge of the ions are important studied facts. One type of \"memory\" of glass membrane was observed and this effect was overcame using multipoint calibration. To correct the influence of the ionic strength two studies on experimental and theorical aspects were performed. The model proposed by Cheng to the mechanism of glass membrane as a chemical capacitor was confirmed by application of electrical field on the glass membrane. The concept of pH amount was discussed.