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The Possible Presence of Triple Ions in Electrolyte Solutions of Low Dielectric Permittivity

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Abstract

The cause of the appearance of a minimum in the molar electrical conductivity in many electrolyte solutions with increasing electrolyte concentration, in solvents of low dielectric permittivity, is reviewed. Tentative explanations include the formation of triple ions or, alternatively, changes in the electrical polarization of the solutions due to the presence of electrolyte ion pairs. Theoretical models for linear triple ions and apolar dimers are examined. Experimental evidence favors the polarization hypothesis over triple ions; the presence of a maximum in the dielectric permittivity with increasing electrolyte concentration is consistent with the presence of an equilibrium between ion pairs, AB, and their dimers, A2B2, at higher concentrations.

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Correspondence to Edward M. Eyring.

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Petrucci, S., Masiker, M.C. & Eyring, E.M. The Possible Presence of Triple Ions in Electrolyte Solutions of Low Dielectric Permittivity. J Solution Chem 37, 1031–1035 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10953-008-9285-z

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