Project Details:

Influence of Pressure on Chemical Equilibria in Aqueous Solutions - With Particular Relevance to Sea Water

The aim of the project is to produce a survey of the current knowledge in this area, covering both experimental and theoretical studies. The influence of pressure on reaction rates and mechanisms has been well studied, particularly in the metal complex area. Where these studies are thought relevant they will also be included. Although experimental data relating to the influence of pressure on aqueous equilibra are generally sparse, the available results will be critically assessed when possible. Our evaluation will include an examination of theoretically predicted partial molal volumes for ion pairs and complexes in aqueous solutions. In order to understand the chemical processes that occur in the ocean depth we need to know how the increased pressure at these depths (up to 1000 bars) influences both thermodynamic and kinetic processes. Such knowledge is also of relevance to geothermal solutions and many industrial processes (in these examples, high temperatures are also important and have been studied far more than high pressures).

Project Completed - PureAppl. Chem.,71(5), 871-890, 1999.