EC(EE) processes in the reduction of some 2-methylthio-4,6-di(alkylamino)-1,3,5-triazines on mercury electrodes

Polarographic (direct current, dc, and differential pulse, DP) studies of the electroreduction of the s-triazine derivatives ametryn (2-methylthio-4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino)-1,3,5-triazine), dimethametryn (2-methylthio-4-ethylamino-6-(1,2-dimethylpropyl) amino-1,3.5-triazine) and simetryn (2-methylthio-4,6-di(ethylamino)-1,3,5-triazine) were made in the acidity range from 2.25 M H2SO4 to pH 6.5. Above this last pH value no signals were obtained. In DP polarography, two main reduction peaks were observed, accompanied by a pre-peak due to the adsorption of the herbicides on the electrode. The main peaks corresponded to two-electron irreversible reduction processes, at pH values higher than the protonation pK of the triazine ring (ca. 4). In this pH range, the protonation of the triazine ring preceding the reduction process is responsible for decrease in limiting current. At pH < pK the herbicides suffer a cleavage of the -SCH3 group via two different intermediates related by a chemical reaction, whose extension depends on the herbicide. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.