A silver electrode in the potentiometric titration of thiols

A silver wire immersed in a thiol solution gives a potential responsive to the thiol concentration, and is a sensitive indicator electrode in the potentiometric titration of thiols with mercury(II) chloride, p-chloromercuryphenyl sulphonate, and silver nitrate at pH 4.5-9.5, 7-9.5 and 9.5 respectively. Titrations of simple thiols such as cysteine or a protein such as albumin are equally successful, but the potential break was smaller for the protein. The end-point could be determined within an increment of titrant equal to 5 nmole of thiol. An inert atmosphere is needed for titration at pH 7.