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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
11:44
Using Cyclic Voltammetry, UV-Vis-NIR, and EPR Spectroelectrochemistry to Analyze Organic Compounds
Published on: October 18, 2018
The kinetics of ferrocene volatilisation from an ionic liquid
Chaopeng Fu1, Leigh Aldous, Edmund J F Dickinson
1Department of Chemistry, Physical and Theoretical, Chemistry Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
Summary
Ferrocene volatilisation from ionic liquids was quantified. The process is kinetically limited, with specific activation energies determined for diffusion and volatilisation into dinitrogen gas.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Ionic liquids are advanced solvents with tunable properties.
- Ferrocene is a model organometallic compound used in various applications.
- Understanding solute volatilisation from ionic liquids is crucial for process design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the volatilisation rate of ferrocene from an ionic liquid.
- To determine the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters governing this process.
- To investigate the effect of dinitrogen gas on ferrocene volatilisation.
Main Methods:
- Indirect monitoring of ferrocene concentration using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry.
- Modeling of concentration-time data to quantify volatilisation.
- Kinetic analysis to determine rate constants and activation energies.
Main Results:
- Volatilisation of ferrocene from [C(4)mpyrr][NTf(2)] is kinetically limited.
- A rate constant of approximately 2×10(-7) cm s⁻¹ was determined.
- Activation energies for diffusion (28.2±0.7 kJ mol⁻¹) and volatilisation (85±2 kJ mol⁻¹) were calculated.
Conclusions:
- The study provides quantitative insights into ferrocene volatilisation from ionic liquids.
- The findings are relevant for designing processes involving ionic liquids and volatile solutes.
- Kinetic limitations and activation energies are key parameters for controlling volatilisation.
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